How to Room Overnight With a Hospitalized Child

If you ever have the misfortune to have a young child hospitalized overnight, you will probably be staying in a cot or fold-out bed in the same room. Here are some tips on what to expect during a brief or overnight stay in the hospital and how to survive the night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Sweats or casual clothes
• Toothbrush
• Small toys
• Your child's favorite sleep or comfort object

How to Room Overnight With a Hospitalized Child

1. If you are lucky enough to be able to go home and pack a bag, wear sweats, or anything comfortable for sleeping as well as daytime. Chances are there may be no convenient facility for changing, and you will be awake much of the night, so it's easiest just to wear the same clothes. Bring a toothbrush too.
2. Keep your emotions in check as much as possible. This way it will be easier to comfort and not to alarm your child, who will be in new, strange and possibly frightening surroundings as it is.
3. Calmly assist nurses and doctors as needed. For example, you may need to hold down your child's arms if a needle must be inserted for IV fluid tubing. Other monitors will also need to remain attached. Encourage her to cooperate.
4. Entertain and comfort your child with small toys from home. While a television is usually provided in the room, it does not need to be on constantly. Your child will also appreciate his regular sleep toy.
5. Expect many interruptions during the night as nurses, therapists and other personnel monitor symptoms and administer medications. Feel free to ask questions about acceptable numbers and rates you see on machines.
6. If machinery begins to beep during the night, and no one seems to respond, push the button to call the nurse.
7. Share meals with your child. Order room service for yourself as well. You need to be comfortable and well-fed in order to be able to best provide for your sick child. Ask if self-service drinks are available.
8. Ask when your child is expected to be discharged. Make sure to ask any questions you may have about home care, medications and follow-up treatment before discharge.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that medication may cause unexpected hyperactivity or lethargy in your child. Don't be surprised if his behavior seems extreme or abnormal.