What to Expect
When your child becomes a St. Mary’s Kid, your family becomes part of ours.
Because at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, your child—and your family—are at the center of our care. No one knows your kid better than you do so we want you on our team—and ready with all the information, support and tools you need to be the best possible support you can be to your child.
What happens during Admission?
On the day of admission you will be introduced to many new faces. You and your child will be brought to his/her unit where you will meet with staff members, including:
Social Worker: to provide information on the facility, discuss expectations, and review paperwork and authorizations
Pediatric Medical Doctor (Pediatrician/Nurse Practitioner/Physicians Assistant): to take a complete medical history, give your child a physical exam, and discuss goals of care
Nurse: to familiarize you and your child with the unit and review your child’s routines, allergies, and any special items your child uses.
Within the first 48 hours…
A Rehabilitation Services and Nutrition member will meet with you and provide an initial evaluation of your child’s rehab and nutritional needs.
A member of Therapeutic Activities will meet with you and your child, invite you to see the playroom and the great room, and explain how to use the bedside monitors and access the activity calendar.
Please feel free to ask questions and share any concerns with these caregivers. They aim to help you and your child make this transition as easy as possible.
Your Child’s Care Team
Clinical Nursing Assistants (CNA)
CNAs work hand in hand with your family and the nursing staff to provide, hands-on care such as bathing, dressing and feeding assistance.
Clinical Care Coordinators
Clinical Care Coordinators partner families in planning for discharge. Your coordinator arranges the equipment, medication, nursing needs and ongoing treatments for children and families returning home.
Dieticians
Dieticians assess your child’s special nutrition needs, design appropriate diet plans and provide nutrition-related educational materials and counseling.
Doulas
Doulas are specially trained to care for a child who has a serious life-threatening illness and their family. The doula provides emotional, spiritual and social support as well as comfort and companionship at end of life to minimize isolation.
Housekeeping Services
Housekeeping Services are provided by our environmental services department, which is dedicated to providing a safe, clean and comfortable environment. Your child’s room and common areas are cleaned daily.
Nurses
Nurses are responsible for providing direct care such as giving medications, and specialized treatments as well as the physical care for your child’s daily needs.
Nurse Managers
Nurse Managers ensure that hospital policies and procedures are carried out, that we have appropriate staff, and to generally make sure your child’s unit runs smoothly and that the children’s needs are being met.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP)
A PNP is a nurse who has a master’s degree in nursing and additional training to work with doctors. PNPs provide coverage when your child’s primary pediatrician is not in the hospital.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists help children to learn and improve daily living skills such as dressing, bathing and other age-appropriate activities.
Pediatricians
A Pediatrician is a doctor who manages the health of your child including physical, behavioral and mental health issues.
Physiatrists
A Physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the rehabilitation care and medical management of children with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders and an array of musculoskeletal conditions.
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapists are trained to improve your child’s movement, balance and coordination.
Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants have the education and training that allow them to provide many of the same treatment and care as a pediatrician; however, they must provide care under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Psychologists
Psychologists help children deal with the normal effects of illness, such as pain and anxiety, and help them find effective ways to adjust to illness and treatment.
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory Therapists are trained to evaluate and provide treatment to children with breathing problems.
Restorative Nursing Technicians
Restorative Nursing Technicians are Certified Nursing Assistants who partner with the Rehabilitation staff to provide additional support to help your child meet their therapy goals.
Social Workers
Social Workers help families deal with issues related to having a child who is sick or injured. Our social workers can help you with community referrals and financial resources that can provide your family with support and necessary services.
Speech Language Pathologists
Speech Language Pathologists help children with speech and swallowing problems.
Therapeutic Activities Specialists
Therapeutic Activities Specialists use play, recreation, education, self-expression and theories of child development to help normalize the hospital experience and reduce the stress for children and families.
Unit Coordinators
Unit Coordinators can answer your nonmedical questions such as information about your child’s daily schedule or outside appointments.