As a kid, you don’t remember much about going to the doctors and what they did. You’ve been hearing about how scary and painful hospital visits were from friends. Hospital visits can trigger feelings of anxiety for both children and adults.
This is common, especially for patients feeling unwell and family members waiting. Feelings of fear, confusion, and anxiety plague most people during hospital visits or check-ups. Aside from providing necessary medical care, medical professionals also have the role of reducing stress and calming patients down.
Patients should feel as relaxed as possible and be told what to expect during their visits.
What to Expect
Feeling slightly nervous and afraid, you walk through the hospital doors. You’re greeted with white lights and an air-conditioned lobby. The pharmaceutical store is nearby and floors are clean and spotless as well as durable and resistant to temperature.
Wheelchairs and medical equipment are also scattered across the room. Application forms are handed to you as you fill out basic information about yourself. As a child or teenager, you’ve been taken to a pediatric hospital. A person in blue or green asks about your medical history and symptoms you may be having.
Once that’s done, the nurse checks your vital signs (heartbeat, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure). Nurses also assist you during your stay and provide helpful tips during your stay. Doctors are the people who’ll be supervising your care along with caregivers and nurses.
You may have seen him as a child and remember his face. Doctors vary depending on what type of problem you have. Follow their advice and listen to what they have to say. Depending on your condition, you may be told to do other tests.
The most common ones are typically drawing some blood, peeing in a cup, or having an X-ray. Other tests include an ultrasound, CAT scan, or an MRI. These tests observe your body’s internal workings to see if everything’s as it should.
Accommodations
Whatever condition you may have, you may be required to stay overnight in a hospital room. Much like your bedroom, it usually has a TV, phone, and a bed and bathroom. Rooms can be shared with another person your age or be exclusive to you.
Most pediatric hospitals also allow for parents to say with children in their rooms for additional assistance and care.
Coping
People can visit a hospital and be finished with their business later that day. Others have to stay overnight or a couple of days, even weeks. The duration of your stay can affect the activities you have planned and your homework from school.
Hospitals should be able to continue fulfilling academic requirements alongside your teachers, so continue doing your homework. Even with family and friends visiting you, loneliness, isolation, and fear can still persist.
On top of your medical condition, you may be missing out on something beyond the hospital room or afraid of what will happen to you. This is understandable and part of the process. Talk to your parents, nurses, or doctors for support.
If things still got you feeling down, it helps inviting friends over if the doctor permits. This is a perfect time to catch up on lost time and an excuse for them to bring food (again, if allowed). Also, de-stress by doing your favorite activities: drawing, listening to music, or maybe journal writing can help take your mind off of the hospital stress.
Your first hospital visit may be scary. However, knowing what to expect can help you go through the process easier and less scary than what people claim it to be. Listen to the doctor and get well soon.
