During Your Child’s Hospital Stay

When your child’s treatment requires an overnight hospital stay, our goal is to make sure your entire family is comfortable and at ease. We offer a wide range of programs and services to help you cope, improve communication, and keep your child safe.

At Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, our goal of enhancing your child’s comfort starts with our family and visitor guidelines. We know children are more at ease when a parent is with them, so we welcome you to be with your child 24 hours a day.

Our patient relations staff and guest services associates can help you find resources you need, such as a notary, laundry services, food delivery, parking information, and transportation and hotel accommodations.

While in the hospital, your child can participate in activities led by our child life specialists and creative arts therapists, who use art, music, and play to help children cope with medical treatment and recovery.

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital—34th Street

As the newest children’s hospital in New York City, our 34th Street location was designed around the needs of children and families.

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Our social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists are available if you or your child need someone to provide emotional support during what could be a challenging time. Please also let us know if your child is experiencing discomfort or pain, and someone from your child’s care team can help.

Family-Centered Rounds

Each day, your child’s doctors and care team meet for Family-Centered Rounds to discuss the best plan of care, talk about your concerns, and teach doctors in training. We welcome you to join us as often as you wish. We know you have important information to share.

Before Family-Centered Rounds

Before rounds, we encourage you to write down any questions you have and any observations you’ve made about your child’s condition. How is he or she managing pain? Have you seen improvement or noticed anything that troubles you, such as a new symptom or a loss of interest in favorite activities?

 

“Families are encouraged to participate in clinical-care rounds and be an integral part of the decision-making process.”

Pradeep Mally, MD, Dch, FAAP, Division Director, Neonatology

If you speak a language other than English, including American Sign Language, please ask your child’s nurse to arrange for an interpreter to join you during rounds. If you are unable to be at the hospital in person during rounds, ask your child’s nurse if there is another way you can participate or share your thoughts.

During Family-Centered Rounds

During rounds, members of the care team introduce themselves. They ask you questions about your child. This is an opportunity for you to share the following information:

• the names that you and your child prefer to be called, including any nicknames
• a change in your child’s physical or emotional state
• any questions or concerns you have about your child’s care

Doctors and the clinical team might sometimes use medical terms that are new to you. If additional explanation would be helpful, please let us know.

After Family-Centered Rounds

If we do not have all the answers to your questions at the time of rounds, a member of the care team updates you later in the day. We want you to have access to all the information you need about your child.

Bedside Shift Report

The bedside shift report, which is when nurses ending their shift share information about your child with nurses on the next shift, provides another opportunity for you to ask questions about your child’s care. Please feel free to participate in this discussion and bring up any concerns.

Safety in the Hospital

Safety is a top priority at our inpatient locations, including Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital—34th Street, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn.

 

“Having a nurse who listened and valued my concern when I spoke up made all the difference in my child’s care.”

Alex, Family Advisory Council Member and Mother of Zoe, Age 3

While in the hospital with your child, there are ways you can help partner with us to ensure your child’s safety. Foremost is letting us know if you sense something isn’t right with your child. You know your child best, so we encourage you to speak to a member of the team about any concerns you have.

Here are some of the important things you can do to partner with us in your child’s safe care:

• Wash your hands often, and use hand sanitizer—and encourage family and friends to do the same.
• Tell us if your child has any allergies, including to medications.
• Review your child’s medication list with the team.

Our staff takes the following steps to ensure your child’s safety:

• Staff members check your child’s ID band before every test, medication, or treatment.
• A nurse on the unit stops by hourly to check on your child.
• A team member discusses with you any safety concerns, such as pressure injuries, infection, and falling.

You are a valued member of your child’s healthcare team. You know your child best. If your instincts tell you something doesn’t seem right, please let us know as soon as possible.