Pre-op: what to expect, what to do

Avoid planning any other activities for the day of your child’s surgery.

Please have childcare for any other children. Your child having surgery will require your full attention while at the hospital.

One parent should remain with the child at all times except when in the Operating Room.

Nursing Staff will check your child’s height and weight and vital signs on arrival. They will also review your pre-op information and consents.

An anesthesiologist will speak to you and review your child’s health history and answer any questions or concerns.

Many steps are taken to ensure safety – expect to verify your child’s ID by name, birth date, the surgery he/she is having, and the part of the body the surgery will be done on. Depending on the type of surgery the surgeon may mark his initials on the site with a special marking pen. This safety check will occur a few times during the admitting process and again in the operating room by the surgical team.

Post-op: what to expect, what to do

After surgery your child will go to the recovery room until the anesthesia starts to wear off and he/she just starts to wake up. You will be called to the recovery room during this phase. It is best to wait in your child’s admitting room so we know where to find you. If you need to step out let your admitting nurse know how to locate you. Time in the recovery room varies with the procedure/type of surgery and the child.

Upon return to the admitting room your child’s vital signs will be monitored, pain level will be assessed, medications provided and fluids encouraged.

Your child will be more tired than he/she usually is on the surgery day and can be expected to sleep on and off throughout the day.

Certificate of Bravery

Please printout and bring this certificate for your child's nurse and doctor to sign.
Download PDF