Supporting A Hospitalized Child
By: Sara Massey
With References and Interviews From: Pediatric Nurse Kendal Raymer and Doctor Laura Bleekrode M.D. (Pediatric Physician)
Effects Of Hospitalization On Children
The hospital is a very scary place for many children. There is a lot of fear, anxiety, and stress that are related to the hospital and for children who have prolonged stays at the hospital, it can possibly affect them in numerous ways.
Advice From An Interview With Pediatric Nurse Kendall Raymer
Nurse Kendall Raymer works at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a pediatric nurse in the emergency department. She has worked at CHOA for over three years and she has extensive experience with hospitalized children and their families.
We asked Nurse Kendall questions regarding how hospitalization affects children and what can family members and other people do to support the child.
Interview With Pediatric Nurse, Kendall Raymer
In Your Experience, What Has Been The Greatest Challenge You See In Hospitalized Children?
“The greatest challenge is the lack of hope. These children are receiving intensive treatments and help from doctors and nurses and many of them lack a sense of hope or joy. Without that, children’s health decline and it has been seen that children ‘give up’ because they do not have hope or motivation to continue on.”
Interview With Pediatric Nurse, Kendall Raymer
How Can Families Support Their Child Throughout The Hospitalization Process And After Release?
“There are so many ways that families can support their child throughout the hospitalization process. A simple way is to create a sense of normality in the hospital. Whether that be bringing in toys from home or certain items that remind the child of home. This establishes permanence in a child’s mind and allows them to become more comfortable with their surroundings. Another way of support is to be a listener when your child is speaking. Making the child feel like they can discuss their feelings is huge and very beneficial for the child.”
Interview With Pediatric Nurse, Kendall Raymer
What Is Your Advice To Hospitalized Families And Parents Who Are Reading This Today?
“Keep Fighting. It is very difficult and there are support groups for parents that are extremely beneficial to the parents and the children as well. Make sure to include the whole family in the hospitalization and do not disregard other siblings that may be present, they are struggling too. Encourage your child to keep fighting and to overcome the battle they are facing. They can do it! Make sure to talk to the nurses and doctors that are treating your child, they want you to ask them questions and they want to help in any way possible. You Can Do This.”
Advice For Families Undergoing Pediatric Hospitalization - Videos
Support For Families Undergoing Treatment - Click The Link To Hear Encouraging Stories And Advice From Michigan Medicine.
Advice For Siblings Of A Hospitalized Child - Click The Link To Hear Stories From Siblings Of Hospitalized Children And How They Were Able To Support and Be Supported.
Laura Bleekrode M.D. - Pediatric Physician - Advice For Families Of Hospitalized Children
You CAN Do This!
No matter what, you can get through this hospitalization. There is great amounts of difficulty, but celebrate the little things and work to make the hospital a nurturing environment where the child thrives and recovers. Connect with your doctors and nurses and allow them to support you and your child. Ask questions and above all, keep fighting!
Check Out Other Resources By Clicking On This Link: