Women's and Children's Health Services
My Hospital Adventure (children)

My Hospital Adventure

Sarasota Memorial's pediatric unit offers a free learning program and tour for children who are scheduled for surgery. My Hospital Adventure is a positive, comforting experience, conducted by pediatric nurses skilled in communicating at a child's level of understanding. During My Hospital Adventure, nurses will be able to answer questions about the upcoming hospitalization, assist parents and children in a greater understanding of the surgical experience and provide guidance to parents concerning conversations with the child about their surgery.

Another important part of My Hospital Adventure is a tour of the pediatric unit. A pediatric nurse will walk with you and your child through the unit to see patient rooms, the nurses' station and colorful playrooms. You will also have the opportunity to meet some of the other nurses and staff members. Throughout the tour, you and your child will be encouraged to ask questions about the hospital experience.

If the physician has determined that your child needs a blood test, the pediatric nurse - sensitive to your child's fears and needs - can draw the blood at the end of the visit. Your child will receive an explanation of the procedure in language that he or she can understand.

The visit will last approximately one hour and siblings are welcome to participate and help the patient learn about having surgery. My Hospital Adventure is a community service program. It is designed for all children and their families who are scheduled for surgery or a procedure.

My Hospital Adventure
Phone: 941-917-8118
Call for more information or to make a reservation for this free service.

For children from two years to five years, clear, simple explanations along with opportunities for exploration and play will help children prepare for surgery and hospitalization.

Prepare Yourself First:

Be sure to communicate your fears and concerns with your child's physician. Children tend to sense their parent's anxieties which make them more nervous. Have your questions answered and be aware of your feelings and past experiences concerning illness and hospitals.

Prepare Your Child:

Preparation for children this age should take place close to the time of surgery or hospitalization. One to two days in advance is best. The following are suggestions that can help you prepare your child:

• Schedule your child for the My Hospital Adventure Program, a presurgical party and tour for children and their families. Call 917-7490 to register.
• Reassure your child that he/she has not done anything wrong and that surgery is to help him/her.
• Explain to your child that on the morning of surgery, it will be very important for their stomach to be empty (have no food or drink in it) so that they will not throw-up during surgery. They will not have anything to eat or drink the morning of surgery. We recommend you skip brushing teeth to prevent the accidental swallowing of water or toothpaste.
  
  NOTE TO PARENTS: Your doctor will tell you the exact time your child is to receive nothing further to eat or drink prior to surgery.
• Tell your child what they will see, hear, smell and feel while at the hospital. You can get this information from your child's doctor or nurse.
• Explain to your child that a special doctor (anesthesiologist) will give them some sleepy medicine so that they will not feel anything during surgery. Tell them it is a special kind of sleep and that they will not wake up until after the surgery is over.
• Reassure your child that you will be with him/her in the hospital and that they will go home when the surgery is over.
• Encourage your child to choose one or two toys or other personal items to bring with him/her.
• Read stories about going to the hospital or allow your child to play with pretend medical equipment. You can listen for any misunderstandings your child might have. Make this a fun time for you and your child.

Day of Surgery:

• Your child will meet medical personnel trained especially for pediatric care (nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists).
• Once you arrive at the hospital, there is usually time to relax and settle in before going to surgery. There is a playroom located close to your child's room.
• Approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled surgery time, you and your child will be taken to the pre-op holding area.
• You and your child will meet some members of the operating room staff including the anesthesiologist.
• Your child will be accompanied by this team to the operating room. A staff member will guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is a time to reassure your child that you will remain in the hospital, waiting for them to return from the wake-up room.
• Nursing staff will talk with you about the care your child will need when he/she goes home.

*Adapted with permission from the Child Life Department at All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL.

As a parent you naturally want the very best for your child. We would like to offer some suggestions to help the hospital stay go smoothly for you and for your baby.

Prepare Yourself First:

One of the most beneficial things you can do is to prepare yourself for the hospital experience. Find out about the procedure scheduled for your child as well as what your responsibilities will be. Once you know what to expect, you will be more relaxed which will in turn help your baby to relax.

Helping Your Baby:

As the primary caregiver, you are the best person to care for your baby during the hospital stay. Please share with the hospital staff any information you have about your baby's preferences:how he/she likes to be held, what comforts your baby the best, his/her favorite stuffed animal or blanket, and any routine that she has established. This type of information is very helpful and it can make your baby's experience in the hospital easier.

Separation:

Sometimes babies have a hard time separating from their parents. If you need to be away from your baby, there are some things you can do to help. First of all, it is important for you to feel comfortable leaving, so please ask any questions you may have of the staff. It is also helpful for you to share your plans for visiting with your child's nurse. When it is time for you to leave, your baby will notice how you are feeling. If you feel comfortable, your baby will get the message from you that it is O.K. for him to stay here. Try to leave something that smells like you with your baby such as a T-shirt or a blanket. Because babies find comfort in cuddling with something that smells like their parents, try to leave something that belongs to you.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any questions or would like additional information on helping your child adjust to hospitalization, please call the Pediatric/Adolescent Unit at (941) 917-7490

*Adapted with permission from the Child Life Department at AllChildren's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL.

Honesty is the key when preparing this age for surgery. School-agers are better able to understand what is told to them then younger children and need to be given truthful information.

This age group often has fears about their bodies being hurt and also may be confused about anesthesia. Misunderstandings about what they hear is also common.

Prepare Yourself First:

Remember that your child can sense your anxiety. Be sure to share your fears and concerns with your child's physician. Have your questions answered and discuss your feelings about past experiences with surgery and hospitalization.

Preparing Your Child:

You know your child best. Some children like to hear lots of information while others just want to hear basic facts. The following are suggestions of things to talk with your child about before coming to the hospital.

Before Surgery:

• Tell your child why he is having surgery.
• Talk about the type of surgery your child will have and where on the body it will be performed.
• Tell your child that he will be asleep during the surgery and that he will not feel anything.
• Remind your child that he will not be able to eat or drink anything the morning of surgery.
• Reassure your child that you will be with him while he is at the hospital.
• Suggest that your child choose one or two items from home for comfort and to keep him busy.
• Remind your child how long he will be in the hospital.

Day of Surgery :

• Your child will meet medical staff trained especially for pediatric care (nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists).
• Usually there is time to relax and settle in before going to surgery. An activity room is available for your child to use at this time.
• About 30 minutes before your scheduled surgery time, your child will be transported to the pre-op holding area. Two adults may be with the patient at this time.
• You and your child will then meet with several members of the operating staff, including the anesthesiologist.
• Your child will go with this team to the operating room. A staff member will then guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is a time to remind your child that you will remain in the hospital, waiting for him to return from the Recovery Room.
• The nursing staff will provide you with information about post-operative care of your child.

If you have any questions or would like more information on helping your child adjust to going to the hospital, please contact the Pediatric/Adolescent Unit at (941) 917-8118.

*Adopted with permission from the Child Life Department at All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL.

Honesty, factual information and a sense of being included in decision making is the key when preparing this age group for surgery. Adolescents need to be treated with respect, especially when sharing medical information regarding the surgery. This age group is often concerned with privacy and body image.

Prepare Yourself First:

Be sure to share your fears and concerns with your child's physician. Have your questions answered and discuss your feelings about past experiences with surgery and hospitalization.

Preparing Your Teen:

You know your teen best. At times your child may seem to handle the details of surgery very well, but a mood swing can occur and your teen may become overwhelmed. The following are suggestions that may help you when talking to your teen.

Before Surgery:

• Discuss the reason for surgery.
• Discuss the type of surgery and where on the body it will be performed.
• Review with your teen that they will not be awake during the surgery and that the anesthesiologist will be with him during the entire procedure.
• Discuss the importance of not eating or drinking the morning of the surgery.
• Reassure your teen that you will remain in the hospital during his surgery and see him when he returns from the Recovery Room.
• Suggest that your teen bring items from home to keep him busy while waiting for surgery (i.e.Walkman, Gameboy).
• Encourage your teen to ask a lot of questions and express how he is feeling.

Day of Surgery:

• Your teen will meet medical staff trained in pediatric/adolescent care.
• Usually there is time to settle in and relax before going to surgery. An activity room is available for the patients.
• About 30 minutes before surgery, your teen will be transported to the Pre-op Holding area. Two adults may go with the patient at this time.
• You will meet with several members of the operating room staff including the anesthesiologist. Encourage your teen to ask any questions he may have at this time.
• Your teen will go with this team to the operating room. A staff member will guide you to the appropriate waiting area. This is the time to reassure your teen that you will remain in the hospital waiting for them to return from the Recovery Room.
• Nursing staff will provide you and your teen with information about post-operative care.

If you have any questions or would like more information on helping your teen adjust to going to the hospital, please contact Pediatric/Adolescent Unit at (941) 917-8118.

*Adapted with permission from the Child Life Department at AllChildren's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL

As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child. The following information can help make the hospital experience easier for both you and your child.

What To Do Before Surgery:

One of the most beneficial things you can do is to prepare yourself for the hospital experience. Find out about the procedure scheduled for your child as well as what your responsibilities will be. Once you know what to expect, you will be more relaxed which, in turn, will help your child relax.

If your child is five years old or younger, he or she must be seen by a Pediatric or Family Practice physician for surgical clearance within five days of the surgery. Bring the completed Medical Evaluation For Pediatric Surgery form with you on the day of surgery. Please be aware that surgery will be canceled if the exam is not completed.

• The night before surgery your child should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight. For young children, we suggest parents feed the child as late as possible the night before surgery and offer them a large drink at bedtime. Do not give the child any salty foods that would make them thirsty during the night.
• It is comforting for a child to have their favorite toy, blanket or other security object with them during the surgery period, so remember to bring something familiar to the hospital.
• Please review the Parent Visitation In The Recovery Room information sheet. Parents are encouraged to be with their child in the Recovery Room and the information will help you prepare for this part of your child's hospitalization.

Day Of Surgery

• It is necessary for you and your child to come to the hospital at least two hours before the scheduled surgery so the Pediatric staff can complete the final preparations.
• Please park in the designated patient parking area on or above the third floor of the Waldemere parking garage or use the free valet parking at the hospital's main entrance.This service is available beginning at 5:30 a.m.
• Please come directly to the Pediatric unit the morning of surgery. Take the E elevators to the 5th floor. Ring the door bell and a Pediatric team member will unlock the door. You may find it helpful to use the Way Finding Map located at all hospital entrances.
• Every child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the Pre-op holding area. This is necessary so you can meet the anesthesiologist and provide information about your child. It is also a good opportunity to ask questions.
• During surgery, family members will be instructed to sit in the Surgery Waiting Room. After your child has checked into the Recovery Room, you will be escorted to see your child.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any questions or would like additional information on helping your child adjust to hospitalization, please call the Pediatric/Adolescent Unit at (941) 917-8118.

We are happy to offer parents the opportunity to be with their child in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (also called the Recovery Room or PACU). Following are some of the more frequently asked questions, along with answers, about the Recovery Room.

How can I best prepare myself for visiting in the Recovery Room?

Learn as much as possible about what is going to happen in the Recovery Room. You will be more relaxed and if you are relaxed, your child will also be relaxed. The Pediatric unit offers a Pediatric Preadmission and Education program that is very helpful.

Do I have to be with my child in the Recovery Room?

Although we welcome you, we realize not all parents feel comfortable coming into the Recovery Room, and that's ok. Please feel free to let us know if you do not wish to visit the Recovery Room.

What if I feel sick in the Recovery Room?

Proper preparation will minimize the tendency to feel sick in the Recovery Room. Eating beforehand and knowing what to expect are the most important components of preparation. If you feel faint, let your nurse know immediately.

How soon after surgery can I see my child?

After the operation is over, the doctor will talk with you in the waiting room. Then, when your child is awake, the staff will take you to the Recovery Room. This may be a few minutes after the doctor talked with you, or it may be longer. This is because all children are different and some take longer to wake up than others.

How many visitors can my child have in the Recovery Room?

Your child may have one adult visitor at a time in the Recovery Room. (If space allows, two may visit at a time.)

What will happen in an emergency?

If an emergency situation arises in the Recovery Room, you will be asked to leave the area immediately. Your cooperation, if such a situation should arise, is greatly appreciated.

Can I breastfeed in the Recovery Room?

If you would like to breastfeed in the Recovery Room, your child's anesthesiologist will be notified. Your baby's condition after surgery and how quickly he or she awakens will determine when you can resume breastfeeding. Please speak with your child's nurse on the Pediatric unit if you need assistance with breastfeeding, pumping or storing the breast milk.

Will I be allowed to hold my child in the Recovery Room?

This depends on your child's size and condition. In any case, you will be encouraged to touch and talk softly to him or her.

Will I be exposed to x-rays in the Recovery Room?

X-rays are frequently taken in the Recovery Room. The technician will announce that an x-ray is about to be taken so you can leave the area. Please inform your child's nurse if you are pregnant so they can help you to protect yourself.

How long will my child be in the Recovery Room?

Your child will be in the Recovery Room approximately 30-45 minutes. Each child reacts differently to medications used and this determines how long he or she will need to stay in the Recovery Room.

What happens if my child has pain in the Recovery Room?

Your child will be medicated for pain as needed. Please be aware that many children, especially infants and toddlers, become fussy as a result of the way the anesthetic medications make tham feel.

What happens after the Recovery Room?

You and your child will be taken back to the Pediatric Unit.

For additional questions, please feel free to call the Pediatric/Adolescent Unit at (941) 917-8118.