A Kid's Trip to the Hospital
What is a hospital?
A hospital is a large building, very much like other buildings on the outside. What makes it special is the doctors and nurses in it who want to help you get better when you are not feeling well. Although it may seem scary to think of staying in a hospital when you are used to your own bed at home, the doctors and nurses in hospitals are there to help you feel more comfortable while you get better. If you get sick and your doctor and family tell you that you need to go to the hospital, please listen to your doctor other people who love you. They only want to help you become strong and healthy again!
What should I expect when I am in a hospital?
When you first get to the hospital with your parents or guardians, you will be checked in and given a hospital bed in a room, which looks like this. The room usually has a bed, bathroom, as well as a TV, so many things will look like the things you have at home. You may have a roommate (like another kid going through the same things you are) in the same room as you. Don’t be afraid to say “hi” to them. You may make a new friend! The hospital usually lets you bring cuddly animals, books, handheld games like Nintendo DS, an ipod, and other fun things to keep you from getting bored and to make you feel right at home. So be sure to bring these special items with you, or have your Mom or Dad bring them from home. Most hospitals have a small cot or bed that is placed in the room so that a family member can stay with you if they are able to. You will be given a hospital gown to wear, which look like this. [Not your favorite pajamas but interesting nonetheless!] You’ll usually get funky little slip-on socks with non-stick soles so you can’t slide and fall when you walk. One warning: hospitals tend to have a lot of equipment, so don’t be afraid if you hear of a lot of beeping sounds. Those beeping sounds tell the nurses and doctors that all the equipment is in tip-top shape so they can help you!
You may have an IV put into a vein in your arm, or possibly another part of your body if you are staying in the hospital. Although it may be a little bit uncomfortable when it is first placed in your arm, it should not hurt at all after the IV is in, so don’t worry. And don’t forget to breathe! Your parents or guardian will be with you.
Depending on your illness, you may have tests done. This may include blood tests, x-rays or CT scans. These tests are all done because the doctors and nurses at the hospital want to find out what is making you sick and how to get you well as quickly as possible.
Remember, a hospital looks a lot like many other buildings, but when you get inside, it has special people who are there to help sick or injured children heal as quickly as possible and feel better soon.
What should I expect when I am in a hospital?
When you first get to the hospital with your parents or guardians, you will be checked in and given a hospital bed in a room, which looks like this. The room usually has a bed, bathroom, as well as a TV, so many things will look like the things you have at home. You may have a roommate (like another kid going through the same things you are) in the same room as you. Don’t be afraid to say “hi” to them. You may make a new friend! The hospital usually lets you bring cuddly animals, books, handheld games like Nintendo DS, an ipod, and other fun things to keep you from getting bored and to make you feel right at home. So be sure to bring these special items with you, or have your Mom or Dad bring them from home. Most hospitals have a small cot or bed that is placed in the room so that a family member can stay with you if they are able to. You will be given a hospital gown to wear, which look like this. [Not your favorite pajamas but interesting nonetheless!] You’ll usually get funky little slip-on socks with non-stick soles so you can’t slide and fall when you walk. One warning: hospitals tend to have a lot of equipment, so don’t be afraid if you hear of a lot of beeping sounds. Those beeping sounds tell the nurses and doctors that all the equipment is in tip-top shape so they can help you!
You may have an IV put into a vein in your arm, or possibly another part of your body if you are staying in the hospital. Although it may be a little bit uncomfortable when it is first placed in your arm, it should not hurt at all after the IV is in, so don’t worry. And don’t forget to breathe! Your parents or guardian will be with you.
Depending on your illness, you may have tests done. This may include blood tests, x-rays or CT scans. These tests are all done because the doctors and nurses at the hospital want to find out what is making you sick and how to get you well as quickly as possible.
Remember, a hospital looks a lot like many other buildings, but when you get inside, it has special people who are there to help sick or injured children heal as quickly as possible and feel better soon.
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/medical_care/anesthesia.html
Copyright 2007, MD Kiosk
