Comments on: 10 Tips for a Trip to the Hospital http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/ Finding Fun with Four Kids Tue, 22 May 2012 21:26:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Packing for a Family Road Trip | Travels with Children by minnemom http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-11835 Packing for a Family Road Trip | Travels with Children by minnemom Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:02:18 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-11835 [...] Have a bag of toiletries packed at all times. I used to forget the simple things, like my toothbrush or hairspray.  A few years ago, I bought a hanging toiletry bag and I just keep an extra set of everything in there.  Combs, shampoo, makeup basics, etc. stay in this bag at all times.  If I want to add extra things, I can, but at least the basics are always covered.  This has also come in handy when we’ve had unexpected hospital stays. [...]

[...] Have a bag of toiletries packed at all times. I used to forget the simple things, like my toothbrush or hairspray.  A few years ago, I bought a hanging toiletry bag and I just keep an extra set of everything in there.  Combs, shampoo, makeup basics, etc. stay in this bag at all times.  If I want to add extra things, I can, but at least the basics are always covered.  This has also come in handy when we’ve had unexpected hospital stays. [...]

]]> By: slamaina http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-9237 slamaina Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:38:17 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-9237 Excellent list. As a mother of three, I have been there. The biggest thing I have learned from my experiences, don't be afraid to ask questions. Also be polite and cheerful to the staff, it really does make a difference in how they interact with you and your child. This list can also be applied to adults too. My mom was in a car accident and was in the ICU for two months. I hopped on a plane and spent two months bedside while my hubby took care out three kids at home 1000 miles away. Having a emergency at the ready was a great help. Excellent list. As a mother of three, I have been there. The biggest thing I have learned from my experiences, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also be polite and cheerful to the staff, it really does make a difference in how they interact with you and your child.

This list can also be applied to adults too. My mom was in a car accident and was in the ICU for two months. I hopped on a plane and spent two months bedside while my hubby took care out three kids at home 1000 miles away. Having a emergency at the ready was a great help.

]]> By: The Best-Laid Plans | Travels with Children by minnemom http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-4807 The Best-Laid Plans | Travels with Children by minnemom Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:31:09 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-4807 [...] and they’ve been taking care of my other three children, and, good or bad, I’ve had hospital experience with children before, so I knew some of what to [...]

[...] and they’ve been taking care of my other three children, and, good or bad, I’ve had hospital experience with children before, so I knew some of what to [...]

]]> By: minnemom http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1410 minnemom Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:24:07 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1410 A phone card is a great idea; and one that's activated. I think the one in my wallet is five years old and probably not good any more. A phone card is a great idea; and one that’s activated. I think the one in my wallet is five years old and probably not good any more.

]]> By: Jonah Lisa http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1404 Jonah Lisa Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:24:51 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1404 I have a new one I ran into when my infant had to go in for jaundice--have a PHONE CARD in your wallet or your pre-packed overnight toiletry bag. You usually can't make a long distance call and sometimes cell phones are prohibited or service is spotty. <abbr><em>Jonah Lisa’s last blog post..<a href="http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/2009/01/digging-out.html" rel="nofollow">Digging Out</a></abbr></em> I have a new one I ran into when my infant had to go in for jaundice–have a PHONE CARD in your wallet or your pre-packed overnight toiletry bag. You usually can’t make a long distance call and sometimes cell phones are prohibited or service is spotty.

Jonah Lisa’s last blog post..Digging Out

]]> By: Chaya http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1403 Chaya Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:28:01 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1403 We spent a week this summer, with my 2 yr old...let me try to remember... -healthy food stashes -use the pantry when you need to: graham crackers+peanut butter, cranberry juice+ginger ale were the go to snacks. -try to leave the building once a day, even for a walk around the parking lot -i had a infant at the time, and found it less stressful for me to have her with me and a babysitter\family member, so that I wasn't worried about her, if she needed to nurse, etc....the helper walked her in the stroller around and held her when necessary, the hospital was awesome about letting me have a pack and play in our room for her to nap in, (obvioiusly this is very much dependent on the situation and the condition of the other child) -push for answers and specialists and remind (gently) if you aren't getting promised actions fast enough...don't wait hours, to be told that the specialist can't come till the next day -YOU KNOW YOUR KID..sometimes in the hospital it feels like you are abdicating responsibility, but you have to trust your instincts..if you think something isn't working or is wrong, ASK...there maybe something you don't know, but you may be RIGHT (my example: my son had some pretty bad wounds we were dealing with [he had something pretty rare called exzema herpeticum], and every nurse tried something different to get the whole thing to not rip open every time they changed his dressings..I realized at some point that there was no science behind how they were doing it, and my opinions of what I had seen working and not working shift after shift after shift were totally valid) -don't assume that any dr (esp. hospitalists) have read and understood the chart..they may have skimmed it and missed an important piece of info or note from the shift before...if it sounds like they are missing a piece, mention it. -we brought pajamas from home instead of a gown..as long as the nurses had access to what they needed access to it was fine. what actually worked best was an oversized t-shirt and sweats...very easy on\off, didn't get in the way, but more comfortable and familiar then the weird gown. -my boy was petrified of the hospital crib,(wouldn't you be!) so I slept in a bed with him and we had them roll the crib out of the room. That worked really well. -our hospital did this as policy, but it was so so smart...when they discharged him, they rolled him out to the car in a wagon...when he talks about his hospital stay, he remembers that wagon ride, because it was the last impression he had and he was so excited about it. Um. I guess I needed to process that experience a tiny bit...Hope nobody ever needs any of those tips. We spent a week this summer, with my 2 yr old…let me try to remember…
-healthy food stashes
-use the pantry when you need to: graham crackers+peanut butter, cranberry juice+ginger ale were the go to snacks.
-try to leave the building once a day, even for a walk around the parking lot
-i had a infant at the time, and found it less stressful for me to have her with me and a babysitter\family member, so that I wasn’t worried about her, if she needed to nurse, etc….the helper walked her in the stroller around and held her when necessary, the hospital was awesome about letting me have a pack and play in our room for her to nap in, (obvioiusly this is very much dependent on the situation and the condition of the other child)
-push for answers and specialists and remind (gently) if you aren’t getting promised actions fast enough…don’t wait hours, to be told that the specialist can’t come till the next day
-YOU KNOW YOUR KID..sometimes in the hospital it feels like you are abdicating responsibility, but you have to trust your instincts..if you think something isn’t working or is wrong, ASK…there maybe something you don’t know, but you may be RIGHT (my example: my son had some pretty bad wounds we were dealing with [he had something pretty rare called exzema herpeticum], and every nurse tried something different to get the whole thing to not rip open every time they changed his dressings..I realized at some point that there was no science behind how they were doing it, and my opinions of what I had seen working and not working shift after shift after shift were totally valid)
-don’t assume that any dr (esp. hospitalists) have read and understood the chart..they may have skimmed it and missed an important piece of info or note from the shift before…if it sounds like they are missing a piece, mention it.
-we brought pajamas from home instead of a gown..as long as the nurses had access to what they needed access to it was fine. what actually worked best was an oversized t-shirt and sweats…very easy on\off, didn’t get in the way, but more comfortable and familiar then the weird gown.
-my boy was petrified of the hospital crib,(wouldn’t you be!) so I slept in a bed with him and we had them roll the crib out of the room. That worked really well.
-our hospital did this as policy, but it was so so smart…when they discharged him, they rolled him out to the car in a wagon…when he talks about his hospital stay, he remembers that wagon ride, because it was the last impression he had and he was so excited about it.
Um. I guess I needed to process that experience a tiny bit…Hope nobody ever needs any of those tips.

]]> By: MJ http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1401 MJ Wed, 14 Jan 2009 02:07:52 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1401 Great tips! I'm going to pack a bag immediately, just to have on hand, since we have extra stuff that might get left behind if we have to do it in a hurry. Here are some extra tips that seem a little extreme, but you just never know. - Lock up your stuff. If you're in the NICU or the PICU, there might not be a close place for you to do that, but there might be lockers outside where you can leave anything you've brought in with you while you're at lunch (or walking the halls, or making phone calls, or whatever). The nurses will know and will be happy to tell you--purses get stolen a LOT, and they'd just as soon not be blamed for it. Also, there might not be a place for coats, gloves, etc., so leave them behind if at all possible. Even if you're in a private room, don't leave any valuables like cameras or Gameboys out in the open if you're not in the room--those doors are open, and anybody can sneak past a sleeping child. - Be aware that someone might be writing down things about you without telling you. For example: if you're crying a lot, they'll be watching you for signs of depression, and they will leave notes for others on staff; if they sense signs of family tension, they will do likewise. The nurses are your best friends, your co-workers, and often your advocates... but they're also your observers, in some hospitals. - If you go to a hospital far from home and you have to stay overnight, you might have to find lodging. Be sure to see if there's a Ronald McDonald House nearby. RMH is a wonderful and supportive place, full of other people who are going through the same things you are (or worse). They ask for a small donation (around $15 a night) but they will not expect you to pay if you can't afford it. They usually provide transportation to the hospital, which can be a HUGE relief if you're in an unfamiliar city and unaccustomed to city driving. - If you're going to be there for a while, a good way to establish that one point of contact, as Charlie on PA Tpk suggests, is to set up a blog or use carepages (http://www.carepages.com) to post updates. That allows you to decide when and what to say, and people can comment without your necessarily having to respond immediately. Most hospitals have a few computers available in the library or resource center for families of patients to use, and it makes a nice break while your child is asleep. I hope nobody reading this ever has an occasion to put these into practice. :-) Great tips! I’m going to pack a bag immediately, just to have on hand, since we have extra stuff that might get left behind if we have to do it in a hurry.

Here are some extra tips that seem a little extreme, but you just never know.

- Lock up your stuff. If you’re in the NICU or the PICU, there might not be a close place for you to do that, but there might be lockers outside where you can leave anything you’ve brought in with you while you’re at lunch (or walking the halls, or making phone calls, or whatever). The nurses will know and will be happy to tell you–purses get stolen a LOT, and they’d just as soon not be blamed for it. Also, there might not be a place for coats, gloves, etc., so leave them behind if at all possible. Even if you’re in a private room, don’t leave any valuables like cameras or Gameboys out in the open if you’re not in the room–those doors are open, and anybody can sneak past a sleeping child.

- Be aware that someone might be writing down things about you without telling you. For example: if you’re crying a lot, they’ll be watching you for signs of depression, and they will leave notes for others on staff; if they sense signs of family tension, they will do likewise. The nurses are your best friends, your co-workers, and often your advocates… but they’re also your observers, in some hospitals.

- If you go to a hospital far from home and you have to stay overnight, you might have to find lodging. Be sure to see if there’s a Ronald McDonald House nearby. RMH is a wonderful and supportive place, full of other people who are going through the same things you are (or worse). They ask for a small donation (around $15 a night) but they will not expect you to pay if you can’t afford it. They usually provide transportation to the hospital, which can be a HUGE relief if you’re in an unfamiliar city and unaccustomed to city driving.

- If you’re going to be there for a while, a good way to establish that one point of contact, as Charlie on PA Tpk suggests, is to set up a blog or use carepages (http://www.carepages.com) to post updates. That allows you to decide when and what to say, and people can comment without your necessarily having to respond immediately. Most hospitals have a few computers available in the library or resource center for families of patients to use, and it makes a nice break while your child is asleep.

I hope nobody reading this ever has an occasion to put these into practice. :-)

]]> By: twoundersix http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1398 twoundersix Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:38:03 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1398 wish I had had the foresight to have a bag to pack that falls in the area of ..if only i could do wihtout sleep..like the organizing guru who says always have a spare of all your keys somewhere. great idea. execution is failing. i agree with finding someone to watch other kids. if you have luxury. we don't have family in twon so we paid c. to watch my oldest while youngest in ER wiht what turned out to be a fractured elbow. the relief of knowing we could both take turns dealing with a newly turned three year old in ER for (kid you not) two hours...was beyond words. it took guts to call with no notice and say what happened...but I did. also when our oldest in for open heart surgery, i agree being polite to nurse a good thing. sometimes nurse translates "Dr speak" when I have no clue what he said. and i am seriously so not dumb. visual learner, maybe. dumb, no. wish I had had the foresight to have a bag to pack

that falls in the area of ..if only i could do wihtout sleep..like the organizing guru who says always have a spare of all your keys somewhere. great idea. execution is failing.

i agree with finding someone to watch other kids. if you have luxury. we don’t have family in twon so we paid c. to watch my oldest while youngest in ER wiht what turned out to be a fractured elbow. the relief of knowing we could both take turns dealing with a newly turned three year old in ER for (kid you not) two hours…was beyond words. it took guts to call with no notice and say what happened…but I did.

also when our oldest in for open heart surgery, i agree being polite to nurse a good thing. sometimes nurse translates “Dr speak” when I have no clue what he said. and i am seriously so not dumb. visual learner, maybe. dumb, no.

]]> By: MK http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1397 MK Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:27:52 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1397 If your children are young, bringing a favorite doll / stuffed animal and a play doctor's kit helps them to process what they are being subjected to. Stethoscopes and injections are a lot less scarey with creative role playing. Also, having a stash of ready made food with some protein in it is a life saver. One time our lunch ordered for my son with a grilled cheese sandwich came without any food on the platter. It was another 2-1/2 hours before lunch came as they had to re-order it. The stash of blueberries and peanut butter crackers I had on hand were lifesavers. If your children are young, bringing a favorite doll / stuffed animal and a play doctor’s kit helps them to process what they are being subjected to. Stethoscopes and injections are a lot less scarey with creative role playing. Also, having a stash of ready made food with some protein in it is a life saver. One time our lunch ordered for my son with a grilled cheese sandwich came without any food on the platter. It was another 2-1/2 hours before lunch came as they had to re-order it. The stash of blueberries and peanut butter crackers I had on hand were lifesavers.

]]> By: Charlie on PA Tpk http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-1396 Charlie on PA Tpk Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:09:24 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-1396 Having been there, done that, more than once, keep the following also in mind: * eat at least once per day. Doesn't matter how much of a knot your stomach is in. You say you're worried about your kid? Fine, but if you get sick, or are too weak to think, what then? * Sleep when your kid sleeps. Can't sleep? Walk the halls. I'm serious: one or two laps at a face-pace can burn off the tension, making that reclining chair all the more comfortable. * Drink water; if you're anything like me, you'll drink quarts of coffee; you'll need to "replenish" due to the effects of caffeine. * Designate a POC: a point of contact, one whose job is to broadcast whatever news you have to the rest of the family. Too often, too many friends/family members will call you (or expect you to call them) asking for updates. You don't want to shut them out, but you're not benefiting from repeating EVERYTHING to EVERYONE ANYTIME the phone rings. So call your spouse, and one other person, and let them call everyone else. * Be nice to floor staff....: going down for food/coffee? Tell the desk you're going down, and ask if you can get them something. I never had anyone take me up on the offer, but they're people, too, and will appreciate it. * ...but don't be steam-rolled by the staff: if you aren't getting serious answers to your serious questions, politely push. Be reasonable (i.e. it's 2AM, and your doctor won't be back until 7AM), but don't give in. <abbr><em>Charlie on PA Tpk’s last blog post..<a href="http://whatsit2you.blogspot.com/2009/01/counting-down.html" rel="nofollow">Counting down</a></abbr></em> Having been there, done that, more than once, keep the following also in mind:

* eat at least once per day. Doesn’t matter how much of a knot your stomach is in. You say you’re worried about your kid? Fine, but if you get sick, or are too weak to think, what then?

* Sleep when your kid sleeps. Can’t sleep? Walk the halls. I’m serious: one or two laps at a face-pace can burn off the tension, making that reclining chair all the more comfortable.

* Drink water; if you’re anything like me, you’ll drink quarts of coffee; you’ll need to “replenish” due to the effects of caffeine.

* Designate a POC: a point of contact, one whose job is to broadcast whatever news you have to the rest of the family. Too often, too many friends/family members will call you (or expect you to call them) asking for updates. You don’t want to shut them out, but you’re not benefiting from repeating EVERYTHING to EVERYONE ANYTIME the phone rings. So call your spouse, and one other person, and let them call everyone else.

* Be nice to floor staff….: going down for food/coffee? Tell the desk you’re going down, and ask if you can get them something. I never had anyone take me up on the offer, but they’re people, too, and will appreciate it.

* …but don’t be steam-rolled by the staff: if you aren’t getting serious answers to your serious questions, politely push. Be reasonable (i.e. it’s 2AM, and your doctor won’t be back until 7AM), but don’t give in.

Charlie on PA Tpk’s last blog post..Counting down

]]> By: Brandice Senecal http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-937 Brandice Senecal Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:55:52 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-937 I've only had one in the hospital. When we were settling into our room I broke down and cried because I had no idea what to expect. Good Post! I’ve only had one in the hospital. When we were settling into our room I broke down and cried because I had no idea what to expect.

Good Post!

]]> By: Kitrona http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-811 Kitrona Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:42:08 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-811 Ohhh, poor kid! What a stressful situation. My oldest was in the hospital the day after his 4th birthday with pneumonia, and that was the most stressful four days of my life. Keeping you and him in my thoughts, and hoping he gets to go home soon! :) <abbr><em>Kitrona’s last blog post..<a href="http://kitrona.blogspot.com/2008/10/holiday-highlights-interview-series.html" rel="nofollow">Holiday Highlights Interview Series: Static White's Stitchery</a></abbr></em> Ohhh, poor kid! What a stressful situation. My oldest was in the hospital the day after his 4th birthday with pneumonia, and that was the most stressful four days of my life. Keeping you and him in my thoughts, and hoping he gets to go home soon! :)

Kitrona’s last blog post..Holiday Highlights Interview Series: Static White’s Stitchery

]]> By: Missives From Suburbia http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-796 Missives From Suburbia Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:56:34 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-796 As for people to bring you real food. You can keep up your own strength if you aren't eating, and hospital food is no way to live. I hope he's feeling better soon! <abbr><em>Missives From Suburbia’s last blog post..<a href="http://missivesfromsuburbia.blogspot.com/2008/10/need-ideas-for-your-christmas-list.html" rel="nofollow">Need Ideas For Your Christmas List, Ladies?</a></abbr></em> As for people to bring you real food. You can keep up your own strength if you aren’t eating, and hospital food is no way to live.

I hope he’s feeling better soon!

Missives From Suburbia’s last blog post..Need Ideas For Your Christmas List, Ladies?

]]> By: Katia / Crazy for trying http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-774 Katia / Crazy for trying Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:02:23 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-774 My youngest was admitted when she was 3 weeks old with viral meningitis. It was nerve wracking (read: I was a post-partum hormonal mess). My advice: trust the nurses. It's ok to leave the bedside and take a walk, grab some food, etc. <abbr><em>Katia / Crazy for trying’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.crazyfortrying.com/?p=895" rel="nofollow">(temporary) single mom</a></abbr></em> My youngest was admitted when she was 3 weeks old with viral meningitis. It was nerve wracking (read: I was a post-partum hormonal mess).

My advice: trust the nurses. It’s ok to leave the bedside and take a walk, grab some food, etc.

Katia / Crazy for trying’s last blog post..(temporary) single mom

]]> By: Andrea @ Mommy Snacks http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-773 Andrea @ Mommy Snacks Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:57:43 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-773 Great Tips! the only other thing I would possibly add is if you have enough time, grab items to occupy your time/attention. Waiting on answers and thinking about how sick your child is or how things are going to turn out can really eat you up! <abbr><em>Andrea @ Mommy Snacks’s last blog post..<a href="http://mommysnacks.blogspot.com/2008/10/shopping-with-coupons-stockpiling.html" rel="nofollow">Shopping with Coupons: Stockpiling</a></abbr></em> Great Tips! the only other thing I would possibly add is if you have enough time, grab items to occupy your time/attention.

Waiting on answers and thinking about how sick your child is or how things are going to turn out can really eat you up!

Andrea @ Mommy Snacks’s last blog post..Shopping with Coupons: Stockpiling

]]> By: Bridget Smith http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-768 Bridget Smith Fri, 31 Oct 2008 05:11:20 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-768 You'll be in my prayers. What a bummer! I'm sure the siblings will share candy upon his return. :). I would say, go with your gut and don't be afraid to advocate for what you think your child needs. -Bridget <abbr><em>Bridget Smith’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.familyadventureguidebooks.com/?p=91" rel="nofollow">Why Family Adventure Guidebooks?</a></abbr></em> You’ll be in my prayers. What a bummer! I’m sure the siblings will share candy upon his return. :) . I would say, go with your gut and don’t be afraid to advocate for what you think your child needs.

-Bridget

Bridget Smith’s last blog post..Why Family Adventure Guidebooks?

]]> By: Dani http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-767 Dani Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:55:50 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-767 Great tips and great post! Sending healing thoughts your way. <abbr><em>Dani’s last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BeingAMomOf3Boyz/~3/435502682/needs-change.html" rel="nofollow">Needs Change</a></abbr></em> Great tips and great post!

Sending healing thoughts your way.

Dani’s last blog post..Needs Change

]]> By: Angela Nickerson http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-766 Angela Nickerson Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:59:55 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-766 I am so glad to read that he is getting better! Sending lots of good thoughts your way! <abbr><em>Angela Nickerson’s last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/aknickerson/justgo/~3/435589893/blogapalooza-what-strange-trip-its-been.html" rel="nofollow">Blogapalooza: What a Strange Trip It's Been</a></abbr></em> I am so glad to read that he is getting better! Sending lots of good thoughts your way!

Angela Nickerson’s last blog post..Blogapalooza: What a Strange Trip It’s Been

]]> By: Sandra Foyt http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-765 Sandra Foyt Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:06:04 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-765 Good advice! It's wonderful that you have the presence of mind to share your experience, and helping others, even as you're going through this stressful time. Wishing your child, and your family, a speedy recovery! <abbr><em>Sandra Foyt’s last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnLivingByLearning/~3/436405235/" rel="nofollow">You’ve Been Booed!</a></abbr></em> Good advice! It’s wonderful that you have the presence of mind to share your experience, and helping others, even as you’re going through this stressful time. Wishing your child, and your family, a speedy recovery!

Sandra Foyt’s last blog post..You’ve Been Booed!

]]> By: Mara http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-762 Mara Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:29:16 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-762 I'm so sorry to hear about your son! How stressful. I'm impressed that you were able to write a blog post. I think this is a great list. I can also recommend the following website for information about doctor's visits, hospitals, and just about anything related to your child's health: www.kidshealth.org Hope you are all home and well soon! <abbr><em>Mara’s last blog post..<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheMotherOfAllTrips/~3/429182108/well-now-were-glad-to-have-you-austin.html" rel="nofollow">Well now, we’re glad to have you: Austin eats</a></abbr></em> I’m so sorry to hear about your son! How stressful. I’m impressed that you were able to write a blog post.

I think this is a great list. I can also recommend the following website for information about doctor’s visits, hospitals, and just about anything related to your child’s health: http://www.kidshealth.org

Hope you are all home and well soon!

Mara’s last blog post..Well now, we’re glad to have you: Austin eats

]]> By: Pamela Kramer http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-761 Pamela Kramer Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:19:36 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-761 I've been on this side a few times. I like your list. It's great to take a back pack with books and crayons. <abbr><em>Pamela Kramer’s last blog post..<a href="http://babyandtoddlerproductreviews.blogspot.com/2008/10/bloggy-carnival-post.html" rel="nofollow">Bloggy Carnival Post</a></abbr></em> I’ve been on this side a few times. I like your list. It’s great to take a back pack with books and crayons.

Pamela Kramer’s last blog post..Bloggy Carnival Post

]]> By: Anne http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-760 Anne Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:17:26 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-760 You are definitely more organized than I. Thank you for the tips, I will have my overnight essentials put together tonight! Anne <abbr><em>Anne’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.mvonthespot.com/2008/10/marthas-vineyard-vacation-rental-lamberts-cove-makonikey-beach/" rel="nofollow">Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Lambert’s Cove, Makonikey Beach</a></abbr></em> You are definitely more organized than I. Thank you for the tips, I will have my overnight essentials put together tonight!

Anne

Anne’s last blog post..Martha’s Vineyard Vacation Rental: Lambert’s Cove, Makonikey Beach

]]> By: Angie http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-759 Angie Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:16:20 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-759 Another tip, not from my child, but my dad: always be corteous to the nurses. They will be your main care giver while you're in the hospital. If you are polite to them they will mostly be polite back. And if you get a bad nurse (there's bad apples in every profession) make sure to speak up. Speak with their supervisor and explain your concerns. They are your first line of care. If you aren't satisfied or have misgivings, listen to them. Another tip, not from my child, but my dad: always be corteous to the nurses. They will be your main care giver while you’re in the hospital. If you are polite to them they will mostly be polite back. And if you get a bad nurse (there’s bad apples in every profession) make sure to speak up. Speak with their supervisor and explain your concerns. They are your first line of care. If you aren’t satisfied or have misgivings, listen to them.

]]> By: Kathleen McDade http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-758 Kathleen McDade Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:15:22 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-758 GREAT tips; hope all is going well today! I need to do #2 on your list. <abbr><em>Kathleen McDade’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.technoearthmama.com/2008/10/my-rocky-horror-past/" rel="nofollow">My Rocky Horror Past</a></abbr></em> GREAT tips; hope all is going well today! I need to do #2 on your list.

Kathleen McDade’s last blog post..My Rocky Horror Past

]]> By: jessiev http://minnemom.com/2008/10/30/10-tips-for-a-trip-to-the-hospital/comment-page-1/#comment-757 jessiev Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:04:41 +0000 http://minnemom.com/?p=1597#comment-757 hope things go smoothly. it is so scary, when someone's ill, and you feel so helpless. you'll be in our thoughts! <abbr><em>jessiev’s last blog post..<a href="http://www.wanderingeducators.com/travel-guides/not-tourists/nft-travel-guides-phillies-world-series-champion-edition.html" rel="nofollow">NFT Travel Guides: Phillies World Series Champion Edition</a></abbr></em> hope things go smoothly. it is so scary, when someone’s ill, and you feel so helpless. you’ll be in our thoughts!

jessiev’s last blog post..NFT Travel Guides: Phillies World Series Champion Edition

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