|
You're Child's Visit
If
your child has been scheduled to be admitted to NYU Medical Center for
surgery, the following information has been designed to answer some of
the general questions that you may have.
It is important to note
that all of the information provided here is general.
Please consult with your physician for all specific information regarding
your child's care.
Pre-admission:
-
Several days
to a week before surgery your child will be scheduled for an appointment
at Pre-Admission Testing located on the ground floor of 400 East 34th
St. At this appointment your child will: be seen by a nurse from Pre-Admission
Testing who will ask about your child's medical history as well as
habits, likes and dislikes; have blood and urine tests and, in some
cases chest x-rays and an EKG to prepare for the surgery and will
be seen by an anesthesiologist.
-
Generally, one
parent is permitted to accompany your child to the operating room
and stay with the child until he or she is anesthetized. The parent
will then be asked to step out of the operating room. These arrangements
should be made with the anesthesiologist prior to surgery. If a parent
is unable to accompany your child, Child Life staff are often available
to do this. Arrangements should be made in advance by calling (212)
263-5585.
-
A description
of how to talk to your child about his or her hospitalization is available
on this website at Before You Visit the Hospital.
If you have specific questions or would like to schedule a pre-admission
tour of the pediatric unit you can contact a Child Life Specialist
at (212) 263-5585.
-
A Social Worker
is also available to discuss any emotional, financial or practical
concerns that you may have. You can contact the Social Worker at (212)
263-5018.
Back
to top
Additional
Preparation:
-
Your child cannot
eat or drink anything for some time prior to surgery. The length of
this food and liquid fast will depend on your child's age. Discuss
specific recommendations with the anesthesiologist at Pre-Admission
Testing. In addition, if your child is taking any medications ask
if these should be taken on the day of surgery.
-
Due to the limited
amount of space in the patient rooms only one parent is permitted
to stay over night at your child's bedside. If your child is admitted
to the Step-Down Unit or Intensive Care Unit, a shared parent room
is available for one guardian per child to stay. There are a limited
number of beds. Arrangements can be made through the pediatric nursing
staff. The parent who does not sleep over is permitted to visit at
any time.
-
Visiting hours
are from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We encourage family visits in the hospital.
However, it is important that your child also gets the rest he/she
needs. Please monitor your visiting children while on the unit to
avoid disturbing other patients and families.
-
Visitors under
13 years of age must be cleared with the nursing staff. Any visitors
or family members with infection or illness such as a cold or flu
should not visit.
-
The hospital
provides diapers, bottles and formula. However, we do not provide
Playtex bottles, pacifiers or baby wipes. If you choose to bring your
own bottles or diapers please discuss this with your child's nurse.
If your child is on special formula, please ask your doctor's office
to speak with the pediatric nursing staff to be sure that it is available.
Mothers who are breastfeeding are encouraged to continue nursing or
pumping breast milk.
-
Sometimes it
is comforting for your child to bring his/her own pajamas to wear
after surgery. Short-sleeved pajamas (or loose long-sleeved) are preferable,
in case the child has an IV in his/her arm.
-
Remember to pack
slippers and a toothbrush for your child. The hospital does have disposable
toothbrushes available but the children tend to prefer their own.
Slippers are not provided by the hospital.
-
A TV/VCR unit
is available at each bedside. This also includes a CD and tape cassette
player. You can bring in your child's favorite movies and music or
borrow from the large collection at the Pediatric Patient's Library
located on the unit. The Child Life Service can also provide access
to computers and video games during your child's stay in the hospital.
-
The New York
City Board of Education provides certified teachers for patients who
are enrolled in elementary through high school programs. The teachers
assist the children in keeping up with school work during their hospital
stay.
-
A small bedside
cabinet and locker are provided for each patient (except in the Intensive
Care Unit). Since these spaces are small bring only those items you
truly need. It is recommended that valuable items are left at home
to avoid any risk of loss.
-
To help you know
what to expect before entering the Recovery Room, it is useful to
ask the nurse there if your child will have any bandages, tubes, etc.
Back
to Top
Day
of Surgery
- Prior to surgery
your child will be given a hospital gown. These gowns are the only clothing
worn to the operating room.
- Children are not
permitted to wear jewelry or hair accessories into the Operating Room.
Children can bring a special stuffed animal or blanket to the Operating
Room. Once your child has fallen asleep you will be asked to take his/her
special item with you. The Operating Room staff is not responsible for
lost items.
- While your child
is in surgery you will be directed to a waiting area in the Same Day
Admit Unit, 6th floor of RIRM building.
- Immediately after
surgery, your child will be brought to the Recovery Room on the 6th
floor of Tisch Hospital where he or she will stay until the effects
of the anesthesia wear off. A staff member will notify you when your
child has been brought to the Recovery Room and will direct you to that
area. (Cardiac patients often have an overnight stay in the Recovery
Room.)
- The Recovery Room
is a very busy place which attends to the needs of both pediatric and
adult patients. You may visit your child in the Recovery Room but occasionally
you may be asked to wait outside. Generally, from the Recovery Room
your child will be transferred to a room on the Pediatric Unit (9th
Floor Tisch Hospital).
Back
to top
While
in the Hospital
Diet:
- Fluids will be
given intravenously (by I.V.) until your child can eat or drink.
- At first your
child will be given clear liquids and will advance to solid foods as
recommended by the medical staff.
- Depending on the
surgery, your child may not be able to drink or eat for a while.
- A Kosher menu
is available through Food Services. Speak to the nursing staff to arrange
for these meals.
- Due to the special
dietary needs of the children on the pediatric unit, food is not permitted
in the playroom. This is to provide a space where all children can feel
welcome to visit and play. The only time food is permitted in this room
is during Child Life special events which will be posted on the door.
Back
to top
Activity:
- Your child's surgery
and recovery needs are individualized. The medical team will advise
you as to when your child should begin resuming his/her usual activity.
- Child Life programs
are provided daily in the playroom or at your child's bedside. A visit
to the playroom is a good way to begin encouraging your child to return
to his/her normal activity level after surgery. The Child Life staff
are trained to provide activities that are adapted to meet your child's
age, needs and interests.
Back
to top
Medication:
- Your child's
pain level will be assessed so that nurses and doctors can provide medications
and other measures to make sure your child is comfortable. If your child
is able, he/she may be asked to rate the level of pain.
- In addition to
pain medication, your child may receive antibiotics after surgery. This
will depend on the type of surgery and your child's specific needs.
Back
to top
Care
of Your Child's Incision:
- Initially your
child's incision may be covered by a dressing that the nurse or doctor
will change.
- Look at your child's
incision before you go home so that you can report any changes to your
surgeon.
- Your child's nurse
will discuss any special instructions regarding care for the incision.
- Report any redness,
swelling, drainage, puss or elevated fever to your doctor.
Back
to top
Other
Information
- A Social Worker
may contact you to discuss discharge planning and after hospital care.
You can also discuss any issues related to how you, your child and family
are coping with the hospital stay and management of your child's illness.
- A pantry is available
on the pediatric unit to allow patients and family members to enjoy
a meal together. This area also includes a refrigerator, ice/water machine,
and two microwave ovens for your convenience.
- Coffee and cookies
(including Kosher cookies) are provided Monday through Friday from 2
p.m. to 5 p.m. in the solarium of the 9th Floor just opposite the public
elevators. This is offered free of charge through the Hospital Auxiliary
and is available for all family members and visitors of the pediatric
patients in Tisch Hospital.
- There is a Helping
Hand Fund which is available for families in need to help defray
some of the costs of visiting your child each day in the hospital. Please
consult with your social worker or your doctor's office for more information
about this program.
- Pastoral Care
is a service provided by Chaplains who are trained to work in the hospital
setting. The Chaplains provide spiritual care in an open and respectful
way. A Chaplain may also contact clergy of your own denomination for
you. Very often when a child is in the hospital families find comfort
in knowing that the Pastoral Care Department is available for visits
and support. If you would like to contact a Chaplain while in the hospital
dial extension 35903. During evenings and weekend hours you can reach
the Chaplain on Call by paging (212) 397-9330 ID#26903.
- The Medical team
will provide any appropriate information regarding your child's care
after discharge from the hospital. You will be given a discharge plan
by your child's nurse. If you have any questions, speak with your child's
doctor, nurse, or social worker.
Back
to top
Back to: Your
Child's Visit Home
|
