I just finished a nursing rotation at our Children's Hospital... maybe my suggestions will be helpful.
Â
1. Prepare. However it works best for your child- go on a tour, look at pictures of the hospital online, draw out the sequence of events (which you might want to confirm ahead of time). Kids do better when they know what is coming.
2. Use the Child Life Specialists. Most hospitals have staff who are dedicated to the experiences and emotions of children. They are the people who help explain things to children, provide fun activities, set up social times etc. They usually 'round' like other providers, but you can just ask your nurse to have someone stop by.
3. Try to find the balance between showing you care, being honest, and not making it too big of a deal. Since our kids pick up so much from us it can really help him for you to be calm.
4. Give some thought ahead of time to what you think might be issues for your son. I've had friends and patient families who made requests and usually they can be worked with. For example, I had a friend who wanted to walk her son into the OR and hold him while they put the mask on.... she had to find out who was assigned to her surgery and get it approved ahead of time (which usually works better) but it was fine and relieved a lot of stress for her and her son.
5. Be mindful of your language. Don't say that anesthesia is going to make him 'go to sleep' because that isn't really accurate and can be scary. It is also a phrase we (sadly) use in our culture for dying.
Â
HTH!
