Pediatric Hospital Medicine

First, remember to take care of yourself; your health impacts your ability to support your child.

• Stay calm and provide honest answers to questions.
• Pack snacks for yourself, chargers for electronic devices, medications and toiletries, and things to occupy your time.
• Pack familiar and favorite items to help your child feel safe and comfortable.
• Maintain routines as much as possible while you’re in the hospital.
• When you arrive at the hospital (or even better, if you have advance notice, before your child is admitted) ask for a tour of the unit and see if you can meet some of the staff who will be caring for your child.
• Many kids who are admitted have an IV placed for fluids, nutrition, and medicine.

Preparing your 2 to 3 year-old

• Use Simple Words. Explain, “You are going to have a sleepover at the hospital.”
• Support. Reassure your child that they haven’t done anything wrong.
• Comfort. Pack familiar items to make the hospital feel safe and comfortable.
• Prepare yourself. Toddlers may cry or get frustrated. Comfort them, acknowledge their feelings, and set limits.

Preparing your 4 to 9 year-old

• Explain. “The doctor will help you feel better.” Answer your child’s questions honestly.
• Express feelings. Encourage hospital play, such as pretending to be a doctor, to allow your child to express their feelings and fears.
• Comfort. Bring items and activities that will provide a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Preparing your 10+ year-old

• Encourage questions. Let your teen speak with the healthcare team if they have questions or want more information.
• Promote independence. Teens may struggle with a mix of independence and dependence. Respect their need for space while offering support.
• Connection. Don’t forget to pack devices! Encourage your child to stay in touch with friends.
• Be patient. Prepare for the possibility of some emotional changes. Address these changes with patience and understanding.

When you get to the hospital, ask to meet a child life specialist. They explain medical procedures in simple ways, use games and activities to help kids feel better, and provide support when things are hard.

Let your child know how brave they were, just like a superhero. Mention something you think they did especially well and ask them to share their thoughts. Then, do something fun to celebrate!

Helping your child get an IV placement and central line dressing change

Preparing your child ahead of time for their IV placement and central line dressing change can reduce anxiety and help them feel more at ease. We’ll share what to expect, tips for best supporting your child, and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Describe an IV placement and central line dressing change

An IV is a small, soft tube placed inside a vein in your hand or arm. It can also be called an “intravenous line.” An IV will help your body get medicine and fluids.

A central line is a long, thin tube that carries medicine, fluids, and nutrients to your body. It is important to keep this tube clean and dry by changing the bandage or “dressing” that covers the line.

Before the IV placement

You know better than anyone how and when to set your child up for success! We’ve provided some guidance around when it is best to discuss your upcoming appointment.

2 to 3 years old

Tell your child immediately before the visit.

“Your nurse is going to put a small tube in your arm or hand today. While this is happening, do you want to read a book or watch a show?”

4 to 9 years old

Start the conversation a day or two before the visit.

“Your nurse is going to place a small tube inside a vein in your arm or hand. You may feel a quick pinch. During your IV placement, do you want to watch or look away?”

10+ years old

Days before, talk to your child about getting an IV.

“Your nurse is going to place an IV, or a small tube, inside a vein in your hand or arm. You may feel a quick pinch. What do you want to bring to the appointment? Do you have any questions?”

Before the central line dressing change

2 to 3 years old

Tell your child immediately before the procedure.

“The doctor is going to change your bandage today to keep it clean.”

4 to 9 years old

Start the conversation a day or two before the procedure.

“The doctor will give you a new, clean bandage. Do you have any questions for me or the doctor?”

10+ years old

Days before, speak with your child about their central line dressing change.

“It’s almost time for your dressing change. Is there anything you want to do to prepare?”

Explain in three easy steps

IV placement

1. Your nurse places a needle in your arm. It may feel like a poke.
2. The nurse gently takes the needle out. A little straw remains in your vein.
3. Hold still while your nurse flushes your IV with water and covers it with a bandage.

Talk to your medical team about the best plan of care for your child. A few options to ask about include numbing cream, numbing spray, a numbing patch, or an ice pack.

• Comfortable, loose-fitting shirt with easy access to your child’s arm or chest.
• Activities to distract your child.
• Favorite comfort item (e.g., stuffed animal or blanket).

Helping children stay calm and entertained can reduce anxiety and make medical visits smoother. Here is a list of age-appropriate toys and activities organized by age group.

Playing with your baby (0 to 2)

• Soft, colorful rattles or teethers
• Plush toys with crinkly textures
• Stacking rings or cups
• Reading a book
• Playing soothing music

Keeping your toddler busy (2 to 3)

• Coloring books with large pictures
• Easy-to-grip crayons
• Storybooks with interactive flaps or textures
• Sticker books
• Playing I-Spy

Entertaining your kiddo (4 to 9)

• Action figures or dolls with accessories
• Craft kits
• Handheld gaming consoles
• Word searches
• Card games

De-stressing with your pre-teen and teenager (10+)

• Book or magazine
• Craft kits
• Slime or stress balls
• LEGO sets
• Handheld gaming consoles

If your child is placed in isolation, consider asking:

• What type of isolation is my child in, and why?
• Is the isolation to protect my child, or to protect others?
• What protective gear do I need to wear (gown, gloves, mask, face shield)?
• How long will the isolation last?
• Are there restrictions I should explain to my child (visitors, playroom, hallway walks)?
• Are there special instructions for comforting or interacting with my child?

Contact isolation

Contact isolation is used when germs spread by touch or when a child is at higher risk of infection from surfaces or people. Common examples include MRSA, C. diff, and RSV.

Typical Precautions include:

• Gown and gloves: Anyone entering the room must wear them.
• Hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water or use sanitizer before and after contact.
• Room restrictions: Your child usually must stay in their room.

You can still touch, hug, and comfort your child—just follow the posted precautions.

Droplet isolation

Droplet isolation is used for illnesses spread through coughing, sneezing, or talking, such as flu, whooping cough, or COVID-19.

Typical Precautions Include:

• Surgical mask: Required for anyone entering the room.
• Gown and gloves: May be required depending on the illness.
• Private room: Helps prevent spread to other patients.

Airborne isolation

Airborne isolation is used for infections that spread through tiny particles in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, chickenpox, and sometimes COVID-19.

Typical Precautions Include:

• Special respirators: Hospital staff may wear N95 masks or PAPRs.
• Negative pressure room: Keeps air from spreading outside the room.
• Limited access: Only certain caregivers may be allowed to enter, and additional protection may be required.

Enteric isolation

Enteric isolation prevents the spread of germs found in stool (poop), such as certain gastrointestinal infections.

Typical Precautions Include:

• Handwashing with soap and water (especially after bathroom use).
• Gloves and gowns when touching the patient or items in the room.
• Private room or shared only with patients who have the same illness.
• Frequent cleaning of surfaces, toys, and shared items.
• Dedicated bathroom when possible.

Talk to the healthcare team about when your child will be ready to return to school. Ask for:

• A medical summary for the school (include diagnosis, any restrictions, and medications).
• Clearance notes or letters explaining your child’s condition or needs.
• Any recommended rehabilitation or outpatient follow-up plans.

Before your child returns to school, contact their teachers, school nurse, counselor, and principal (if appropriate). Share:

• The reason for hospitalization.
• Physical limitations (e.g. no gym, need for rest periods).
• Medication needs or medical equipment (e.g. inhalers, central IV line, feeding tube, wheelchair).
• Emotional or behavioral concerns (e.g. anxiety, fatigue, mood changes).

If your child needs ongoing support, discuss the benefits of a 504 Plan (named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, it’s a way for schools to provide support for students with a disability so they can learn in a regular classroom) or IEP Plan (Individualized Education Plan, a legal document that outlines the special education services and support a student with a disability needs to succeed in school).

Make sure the school nurse is aware of any:

• Medications to be administered at school.
• Emergency plans (e.g. asthma, seizures, allergies, injuries).
• Restrictions or accommodations needed (e.g. bathroom access, modified PE, need for rest).

Provide written instructions from your child’s doctor, if applicable and be sure to understand all school policies.

Reassure your child that it’s normal to feel nervous, anxious, or worried about being behind their classmates. Take some time to practice what your child can say to their classmates about the hospital stay.

If possible:

• Arrange for a school counselor check-in on their first day or week back.
• Encourage peer connections—ask a friend or classmate to help them catch up or sit with them at lunch.

• Restart the school routine gradually—practice waking up, eating meals, and school prep.
• Consider shorter days at first, if allowed.
• Help your child organize school supplies and pack comfort items (like a small stuffed toy or photo).
• Consider securing a tutor to help your child catch up on missed assignments or to learn new skills to provide a sense of control and achievement.

Every child’s recovery and return to school is unique.

• Ask your child daily how school is going—listen for signs of stress, bullying, or if your child is overwhelmed.
• Keep in touch with teachers and counselors during the first few weeks.
• Celebrate small wins: a good day, a completed assignment, or a new friend.