It is normal to be worried or anxious about an upcoming hospital visit. We encourage children to talk about what to expect with their parents, their doctors, and other hospital staff such as our Child Life Specialist. Talking about the hospital and what you will do there will help to calm you down and make your stay happier.

Before You Arrive
Visit our hospital before your stay so you will know the places and faces around you. Come take a tour with your family and see a real hospital bed and our fun play room with toys, video games, and books. While the hospital is a place to get better, it is also a place where you can play and have fun with other children who are in the hospital just like you.

Our Child Life specialist can give you a tour, take you for a ride in the hospital bed, and even let you try on a funny-looking hospital gown. This person will explain all the people you will meet and the tools that will be used to make you feel better while in the hospital. S/he can answer any questions you or your family may have about your stay at CMC-NorthEast.

» Read more about our Pediatric Hospitalist Program


What to Bring
Make sure to pack and bring a few comforts from home, such as a special stuffed toy, blanket, photo, or even CD. Personal items such as toiletries and your own pajamas and bedroom slippers are also a way to feel more at home. If you wear glasses or retainers, be sure to bring those along too.

There are also a few important things for Mom or Dad to remember to pack for you:

• List of child's medications, including dosage and pharmacy information
• Money for dining; change for vending machines
• Personal care items and medications for Mom and/or Dad
• Books, magazines, projects, or board games for quiet times together
• Child's insurance, Medicaid, and Social Security card

It may be fun to help pack your suitcase, and help pack your parent's suitcase, so you can make sure they have everything they need to stay with you at the hospital. Mom or Dad may like to bring a favorite pillow, and of course pack their contacts or glasses too, so they can see to read and play games with you.

» View Children's Hospital floor plan, 3rd floor of the Clinical Services Building

» Visit the Pediatric Pavilion online

» Pediatric Hospitalist Program