At Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, our goal is to provide the most comprehensive, compassionate and caring environment possible. We understand that a hospital stay can be challenging for children and their families. This section provides an overview of all the important information you and your child will need to feel comfortable and reassured while at the Children’s Center. Learn more about the services and resources at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center available to you, your child and your family.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Johns Hopkins Medicine recognizes that all patients have fundamental, overarching rights to information, fair treatment and autonomy over medical decisions, among other rights. As part of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Children's Center adheres to its Patients Rights and Responsibilities.
Family Responsibilities
You as the parent or guardian have the responsibility to:
- Provide complete and accurate information, including your child’s full name, address, home telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier and your employer when it is required.
- Provide the hospital or your child’s doctor with a copy of an advance directive if your child has one.
- Provide complete and accurate information about your child’s health, including present conditions, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products and any other health matters.
- Ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe your child can’t follow through with the treatment plan, you are responsible for telling his or her doctor.
- Make sure your child actively participates in his or her pain management plan, and to keep your child’s doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of treatments.
- Leave valuables at home and only bring necessary items for your child’s hospital stay.
- Treat all hospital staff, other patients and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; be considerate of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors; and comply with the no smoking policy.
- Keep appointments, be on time for appointments and to call your health care provider if you cannot keep your child’s appointments.
- Provide complete and accurate information about your child’s health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner.
Patient Safety
Your child’s safety and well-being during his or her hospital stay is our utmost concern. We know working with you is the most effective way to reach that goal. Please note the following:
- Please feel free to ask questions concerning your child’s care.
- If you are worried about your child, please let your nurse know. Families know their children best and often see subtle signs of problems, often before symptoms appear.
- Please make sure your child wears his identification wrist band at all times. If it falls off, please notify your nurse.
- All of our staff wear badges, so feel free to question anyone not wearing a badge.
- Security Services offers escorts to any on-campus location 24/7. Please call 410-955-5585 for assistance.
- The best way to prevent infection is to wash your hands. Waterless soap dispensers are located throughout the hospital on every unit and in patient rooms.
- Because cell phones interfere with electronic medical equipment, please turn them off while in the hospital.
- Latex balloons cause latex allergies, so please bring only Mylar balloons into the hospital.
- Flowers are welcome except on intensive care and oncology units.
- Smoking is NOT allowed in the hospital. Please use designated smoking areas.
Parent and Family Journal
The hospital can be a scary and confusing place for children and their families. We know. We’ve been there. We, a group of parents whose children have been hospitalized at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, have come together with staff to create this journal. One thing guided us. What would have helped us when we stood in your shoes? It is our hope that this journal educates you, supports you and allows you to find your way so that you can best support your child. We hope this tool can give you some control over what is often an unpredictable time in your family’s life. We know you are tired, overwhelmed and stressed. We were too. But we also know that a parent’s love has no limits and that you will do whatever it takes to see your child and family through this hurdle. So dig deep. Find your voice. It matters more than you know.
The Family Advisory Council at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Download your PDF journal here:
- YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Coping with your child’s hospital stay
- Spanish version: Su Opinion Importa
- Arabic version: أتمنى لو كان باستطاعتي وصف
Contents:
- Your Child’s Care Team
- Medical Terminology 101
- My Surroundings
- Important Numbers
- Managing Pain
- Being in the Hospital
- Child Life...Who We Are
- Receiving Information
- My Feelings
- Medication Logs
- Tests & Procedures
- Daily Care
- Discharge
- Notes