Fear and Anxiety About Hospitalization

All children experience fear and anxiety when being admitted to a hospital. They are experiencing possibly their greatest vulnerability, loss of identity and stress. We try to create a warm, sensitive atmosphere to bolster self-esteem and confidence in the care we provide.

Pre-op Education Class

To help reduce this stress and to help you and your child learn more about the surgical process, your family is should plan to attend our pre-op education class.

This class helps to reduce the anxiety that children may have about surgery by familiarizing them with medical equipment. For parents, the class provides information on how to be involved in your child's care, general information on surgical procedures and methods to assist your child with pain management.

Presented by pediatric nurses and child life specialists, the class offers many opportunities to answer questions you or your child may have. The nurse or therapist providing the class will give patients and parents the opportunity to talk about their fears and concerns to assure all comfort needs are being addressed. When expectations are met and fears alleviated, patients are less frustrated and respond better to treatment.

Pre-op education is held Monday through Friday at the same-day surgery unit at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you cannot make it to a class at any of those times, you can arrange a special time for a class - including Sundays - by calling (314) 432-3600 ext. 1155.