This information will help familiarize you with the pediatric unit.
Your Child's Room
Your child's bed/crib is assigned according to his/her condition. We will provide you with a private room complete with a sofa for one parent/caregiver to stay overnight. For your child's safety, side rails must be raised when your child is in his/her crib. Newborns will have side rails on cribs raised halfway. Please do not feed the child or change diapers on the sofa. We ask that you bring only a few items from home for your child. A high-chair is available, but only when an adult is present.
Your Child's Care
Your child's weight, height, temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure are checked upon his/her arrival to Kid Central. Whenever possible, your child will be taken to a treatment room for IV (intravenous) lab work and/or other procedures. Your child's temperature, pulse and respirations will be taken at least twice every eight hours unless ordered otherwise by your child's doctor.
Intake and Output
Your nurse will keep a record of your child's intake (fluids) and output (urine and bowel movements). If your child is trained, your nurse will provide you with a urinal or "hat."
If your child has routine intake and output, tell your nurse:
- when your child uses the bathroom
- if you change a soiled diaper or
- if you offer your child any liquid
If your child has strict intake and output:
- keep all diapers for your nurse to weigh
- tell your nurse if you offer your child liquid.
Food
If your child's diet allows, you may give him/her juices, crackers and sodas. Ask your nurse for assistance. Nourishments will be provided.
Kids Central Visitor Information
Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. One parent or significant adult may stay after 8 p.m. In the best interest of your child, siblings should keep a visit brief. Children with flu conditions, diarrhea, fever or any childhood diseases, should not visit the unit. Visiting children on the pediatric floor must stay in the patient's room and be accompanied by an adult at all times. Your nurse can provide you with linens for the couch in your child's room if you plan to stay with your child overnight. You and other visitors can eat at the hospital cafeteria or use 24-hour vending machines, both available on the garden level. Health Central is a smoke free enviroment. Please do not smoke in the pediatric unit. For more information, call the pediatric unit at 296-1350 when you are calling from outside the hospital and extension 2300 when you are inside the hospital. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. Your child's care is a priority for us. If we can make your stay with us easier, please let us know.
Other Information
Kid Central nurses are available 24 hours a day (through various shifts). Morning care on the pediatric unit begins at 7:30 a.m. Notify your nurse if you would like to assist in the care of your child. All required treatments and procedures will be explained to you and your child. Your nurse can answer any questions that you or your child may have.
