We understand that your child’s surgery or procedure is a stressful event and can be overwhelming. Our experienced surgeons, nurses and staff will support you and your child through every step.
As a parent, you play a very important role in preparing your child. When they know what to expect, it can make the experience easier for both you and your child.
Review the following information to help you plan for your arrival at Phoenix Children’s.
Review Your Insurance Plan
It’s important that you have your complete and current insurance information on file with Phoenix Children’s. When you’re admitted to the hospital, we will contact your insurance company to make sure they have authorized your child’s stay. Authorization isn’t the same as coverage, so make sure you understand your health plan and what they require.
Our Billing Customer Service and Financial Counseling teams can help answer questions about healthcare costs, medical bills and financial assistance.
Talk to Your Child About Their Hospital Stay
Parents or caregivers are the best people to help prepare children for a hospital stay.
Here are some tips:
- Tell the truth – When your child has questions about a procedure, tell them the truth. This approach builds trust with your child, which is helpful during their stay.
- Use age-appropriate language – It’s important to use terms your child will understand when talking about their condition or procedures. Be careful not to give too much detail. For suggestions, download our Simply Sayin’ app.
- Educate yourself – Try to write down any questions, so you can ask them and stay informed. Browse our pediatric health resources at the Emily Center. We also have Prep Books on a variety of procedures.
- Schedule a tour – Our Child Life program team offers preadmission tours to help prepare your child and family for the hospital experience.
Answer Your Child’s Questions
Be prepared to answer common questions children ask about being in the hospital:
Yes! One parent can spend the night in the hospital room. There is a shower and laundry facility for them to use while they’re here.
How long you stay in the hospital depends on what kind of operation you are having. You will go home as soon as you are well. The doctors and nurses will do everything they can to help you get home as soon as possible.
The doctors and nurses will help you. You may get medicine, have tests or take special pictures of your body. You can always ask for someone to explain what will happen during any tests or pictures.
Phoenix Children's has lots of choices for when you’re feeling well enough to play or learn. There are toys, movies, video games, TVs, playrooms, the Child Life Zone and school.
It is very important to tell your parents or your nurse if you hurt so that they can help you. It’s okay to cry if something hurts. Some kids say it helps to bring something to squeeze like a stress ball or your favorite stuffed animal. Taking big slow breaths can also help your body to relax so that you feel more comfortable
No, before the surgery starts, the doctor will give you a sleepy medicine called anesthesia. It will help you to take a special kind of sleep so that you won't feel anything that hurts. When the surgery is all done, the doctor will stop giving you the sleepy medicine and wake you up.
Learn About Your Child’s Scheduled Procedures
Before your child’s procedure, you’ll have a chance to talk with the surgeon or doctor. They’ll give you specific information about the procedure. Ask them questions about what your child will see, hear, feel and experience. These details will help you and your child know what to expect during the procedure and recovery.
Closer to the procedure, a nurse will contact you with details on how to prepare. For example, your child may need to avoid certain foods or medicines.
If your child isn’t staying at the hospital, you should plan to wait one or two hours after the procedure before they can go home. Recovery times can vary. They’ll need to be awake before you can take them home.
When your child is ready to leave, a nurse will give you instructions about how to care for your child at home.
Gather What to Bring
During your stay, please bring:
- A list of your child’s medications, including how much they take and how often
- Personal identification, such as a driver’s license
- Your insurance card
- Legal paperwork, if needed, such as Power of Attorney (POA) forms
Your child may bring a few favorite items to the hospital to help them feel more comfortable – a toy, stuffed animal or blanket, for example. Your child can take one item into the operating room.
You may also want to bring:
- A pillow or pillowcase from home
- Pacifier (if needed)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Pajamas, robe and slippers
- Pictures of friends or family members
- Music
- Books or magazines
Avoid bringing valuables, such as jewelry or large amounts of cash.
Know When to Contact Us
Plan for School and Homework
Even when they’re in the hospital, children benefit from activities that are part of their normal routine, such as going to school. That’s why Phoenix Children’s offers 1 Darn Cool School, available for patients in grades K through 12. This program helps your child stay on track with their education needs.
Review Blood Donation Options
If needed, United Blood Services provides blood for your child’s treatment. For other blood donation options, talk to your child’s doctor.
Sometimes, a parent, relative or friend of the family chooses to donate blood to use in a child’s procedure. If you choose to donate blood, you must donate five working days before the procedure.
For more information, call the Phoenix Children’s Blood Bank at 602-933-1291. The Blood Bank is open 24 hours a day.
Patient Forms
Your care team may ask you to complete forms before your child’s hospital stay: