Take charge of your care

You're in charge 

You are at the center of your child’s health care team. Ask questions to your child’s care team and be informed of what’s happening every step of the way. If your child regularly receives medicine at a set time and that does not occur, tell the nurse that it was not given. 

• understand your child’s treatment 

• ask questions 

• pay attention to pain 

• know your child’s medicine 

• plan early for a successful discharge 

Always double-check 

We promote open communication among patients, families and health care staff. Pay attention, ask questions and make sure your child gets the right treatments and medicine from the right hospital employee. See “Understanding your care team’s roles” for more information on those on your care team. 

Read and understand all medical forms before signing and ask for clarity if you need information explained. 

Educate yourself 

Our Family Resource Library is open and filled with resources for learning more about your child’s medical condition, tests and treatment options. Child Life can supply drawings or illustrations to share age-appropriate information with your child on their condition or treatment. 

Know your child’s medicine 

Ask questions to the care team and your pharmacist to understand what the medicine treats, why they need it, any other medications they are taking that may react to it, and how to administer it for the best results. 

Pay attention to pain 

Only your child knows how much pain they are in, so it’s important to ask them about it often. Doctors use pain as a clue to help figure out what’s wrong and helps them find ways to make your child feel better. Ask your child, then share with your care team: 

• Where does it hurt? 

• When does it hurt? 

• Is the pain in one place or lots of places? 

• Does anything make the pain feel better or worse? 

Is your child acting differently? 

Sometimes your child may have trouble telling you about pain. Pay attention to how your child acts. The following signs may help you figure out how much pain your child has: 

• not eating 

• trouble sleeping or staying asleep 

• doesn’t want to play 

• whining or crying more than usual 

• holding a sore part of their body 

If you notice these symptoms, your child may be in pain. Talk to your care team about pain levels throughout your child’s stay. 

Ask About Pain Medicine 

Is your child getting uncomfortable? Do you think the pain medicine isn’t working? Your child may need to get more of the current pain medicine or switch to a different kind to get relief. Managing your child’s pain will help with the healing process. Keep asking your child about pain, then talk to the care team.