171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions commonly asked by children prior to their hospital visit. If your child
is planning a trip to the hospital share this information with them to help ease any concerns
they may have.
- Why do I have to go to the hospital?
- It is important to be honest with your child about coming to the hospital. She will feel
better if she is informed about the experience prior to admission. Many children believe that
staying in the hospital is a punishment for something they did wrong. Reassure your child that
it is not her fault. We recommend that you begin talking to your child about the
hospitalization 1 to 3 days ahead for children under age 3. Older children need more time to
ask questions, pack and get ready. Specific information should be shared on a level your
child will understand.
The following links provide preparation information specific to your child's age.
Infants
Toddlers
Preschoolers
Schoolagers
Teenagers
- When will I come home?
- When your child's physician decide your child is well enough to go home, they will begin
talking to you about the discharge plan. Children may not always understand why it is necessary
to remain in the hospital, so reassure your child that you will all go home as soon as possible.
Talk with your child about the things you will do together once you get home.
- Will it hurt?
- The most common fear for children of all ages is being stuck with a needle. While you don't
want to scare your child, you cannot promise him/her that there will not be any shots or
uncomfortable experiences while hospitalized. Instead tell your child that if anything hurts,
it is okay to yell ouch and to cry. Reassure your child that no one wants to hurt them and that
it is the nurses and doctors job to help the patients get better.
- Where will I stay?
- Children stay in patient rooms on units with other children of the same age. Your child
may have her own room or may have one roommate. All rooms have a bathroom, telephone, TV and a
chair/bed for a parent to sleep. Cable access allows your child to watch Disney and the Cartoon
Network. Many of the rooms have their own VCR. Portable Nintendo, VCRs and computers are also
available for your child to use in the room.
Take a virtual tour of a patient room.
- Can my parent stay with me?
- Parents or legal guardians may visit at any time. One adult may stay overnight in the
patient room (except in specialty units). It is usually very important and helpful to your
child for a family member to stay.
- Can my brothers and sisters visit?
- Healthy brothers and sisters 12 years and older may visit during normal visiting hours.
Normal visiting hours are between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Special arrangements can be
made for younger siblings; check with your child's nurse. Siblings must be at least 18 years
old to spend the night. If siblings are sick, have been exposed to the chicken pox or any other
illness; please do not bring them to the hospital.
- Can I bring things from home?
- It is important for children to pack familiar items for their hospital stay. Movies, music
and favorite toys or security items can be brought to the hospital. Please make sure electronic
items operate with batteries only. Additionally, toys and activities can be borrowed from the
Child Life Atrium play area.
- Can I eat my favorite foods?
- "Child-friendly" food like pizza, hamburgers and chicken fingers are served daily to your
child. Each day a menu is delivered with the breakfast tray. If your child would like something
different, substitutions can easily be made. Occasionally doctors order special diets. The nurse
will explain this to you and your child.
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