Get Organized

If you know that you are coming to the hospital:

• Know beforehand, when possible, about your insurance coverage.
• Plan for a few days longer than you may be told–tests and procedures are sometimes unavoidably delayed.
• If you will be having multiple and possible unscheduled trips to hospital, arrange back-up child care for your other children. Have a schedule, school clothes and other simple needs pre-packed for siblings in case you have to rush to the hospital.
• If you are sharing care with another parent or caregiver, decide your schedule in advance and try to keep to it.
• If you will be sharing care, keep a log and leave notes as to what has happened and who has been in the room.
• If you can’t see the name tag on a professional who is entering your room (the tag may be under an isolation gown or just turned over by chance) ask who you are speaking to.

Expecting many visits or trips to ER? Pack an emergency bag in advance and have it ready. In your emergency bag pack:

• A change of clothes for you and your child 
• Spare meds if you know the hospital does not carry a specific medication and make sure they are not near the expiration date. 
• If your child requires special medical equipment, pack spare devices for example, a mickey button or g-tube kit. 
• Pack their preferred personal hygiene items. 
• Start a list of current medications and treatment dates (you can keep them in Notes, or on Google Docs on your phone). You will be asked for this again and again so it’s easier to be ready.
• Keep a charger that fits your phone in a pocket book or case that is packed for emergencies
• Pack a notebook, pen and dry erase marker (for the dry erase board in the room).