Your Child's Care

You should also know that Nationwide Children's is a teaching hospital. That means that people in various stages of their medical training will be working with your child's doctor. Most importantly, it means that there are a lot of people focused on your child's care. During your child's stay, you're going to meet a lot of people focused on their care. These people are part of a "care team," and each has a special job to do. Anytime members of the care team enter the room, they'll introduce themselves. And you should feel free to ask any questions about what they are there to do. For more information on who makes up the Nationwide Children's medical staff, please click here.

Your child's care team members will ask you a lot of questions. And you may feel like you're answering the same ones more than once. Talking to you is just as important as reading your child's medical chart. That's how we learn more about your child - and that's how we'll give them the best, most effective medical care. The care team may also use some medical terms that you don't understand. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, you are an important member of the team. And we want you to feel comfortable with your child's care every step of the way.

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Care for the Whole Family

At Nationwide Children's, we focus on "family centered care." That means we care about the family's needs as well as the child's. It also means that you play a valuable role in your child's care. You're the most important person in their life - they need your support and attention during this time. And you know them better than anyone, so you can help make them feel safe and comfortable.

By participating in your child's care, you and your family can help us do our jobs better. Talk with the nurses about your child's normal activities. And let them know if you see any changes in their behavior - even small ones. With your help, we'll give your child the best possible care.

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What You Can Bring

We encourage you to keep as normal a routine as possible. Bring a favorite toy or family pictures. We'll provide everything for your child including diapers, clothing and blankets, but if you'd like to bring your own, that's fine too - anything to help your child feel more at home.

Bathe and feed your child, and play the way you would at home. You may even be able to stay in their room at night. By maintaining your child's normal routines, they'll feel more at ease. Talk to your doctor first to make sure these activities work within your child's treatment. If you don't feel comfortable with certain tasks, just ask your nurse for help. And if you can't be there, we'll make sure your child's needs are met.

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Who Should Visit?

Brothers and sisters can also make your child feel at ease, but they need support during this time too. To make the hospital experience easier for siblings, the Nationwide Children's Clubhouse gives kids ages 3 to 11 a place to address their concerns, play together and enjoy fun activities. The Clubhouse is on the first floor, and it's open weekdays from 8am to noon, and 1pm to 8pm on weekdays and 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Safety Tips for you and your Child

Here are a few more things to keep in mind during your child's stay. Wear your parent or visitor badge at all times, and make sure your child is always wearing his ID wristband.

For your safety and your child's, wash your hands regularly. Use soap and warm water and wash for 10 to 15 seconds - we tell patients that's as long as it takes to sing the ABC song. Rinse well and dry your hands with a paper towel. Use the towel to turn off the faucet so you don't get germs back on your hands.

And finally, if you're leaving at night and would like to be escorted to your car, just call security (x 2128) and they'll be happy to help.

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Where to Eat

If it's okay with the doctor, you can eat in your child's room. You can also dine in the cafeteria or food court, or get snacks from the vending machines. You can even bring food from home - just ask a nurse or PCA to put it away for you. And stop by the cafeteria at any time for a free beverage with your parent ID badge. And with your nurse's direction, you may be able to talk and hold your child, too.

At Nationwide Children's we're focused on family centered care. We know that no one likes to have a child in the hospital. So we'll do everything we can to help make you and your child, feel as comfortable as possible. We look forward to working with you to give your child the best, most comprehensive medical care.

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Gift Shop

In the lobby of the main hospital, there's a gift shop. You can also find toiletries and other basic items.

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Parking Tokens

Nationwide Children's visitor parking, including the visitor parking garage and surface lots, will cost $2 in coin tokens to exit/enter. Families and visitors can purchase tokens at token dispensing machines located on the first floor of the visitor parking garage, and in the lobbies of the Outpatient Care Center, the East Entrance, the Education building, the Emergency Department, and the Surgery Center.

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Other Resources in the Units

We know that you'll have more questions during your child's stay. That's why there's a Family Resource Guide in every room. It has the answers to many common questions and lists a number of support services available to you and your child such as volunteers, child life, school and pastoral care

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