Tips for surviving a child's hospitalization

Clinical Social Worker Kathryn Elison, MSW, shares advice for parents with a hospitalized child on get through the challenges of having a child in the hospital
Tips For Parents On Getting Through Your Child's Hospitalization
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Tips for surviving a child's hospitalization

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My best tips for helping you get through your child's hospitalization are to activate your network. You are not in this alone. Don't forget you have family and friends that are willing to help, whether it's bringing you meals or picking up your children. There will be people who are there every step of the way with you. Another way to survive your child's hospitalization, is to rely on the collective experience of the medical team. They are folks around you that are trained to walk with you on each step through this journey. Seeking help from people who are there to help you, will only make your stay easier. Another thing you can do to survive your child's hospitalization is to remember to be an active participant. Look to people around you to see how you can get involved in your child's care, whether it's giving your child medications or helping make the treatment plan. Another way you can survive your child's hospitalization is to provide self-care. Making sure that you have your needs met, makes sure that you are able to take care of the needs of your child. Another very basic tip, hospitals are typically cold. Always bring a sweater. You want to be comfortable, even if you are in an uncomfortable situation.

Clinical Social Worker Kathryn Elison, MSW, shares advice for parents with a hospitalized child on get through the challenges of having a child in the hospital

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Kathryn Elison, MSW

Clinical Social Worker, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Kathryn Elison is a Clinical Social Worker at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She was drawn to her profession because of her passion to provide support to families experiencing a medical crisis. Kathryn accompanies her patients and their families during one of the most stressful journeys of their lives, helping them navigate through this challenge and supporting them each step of the way. A native of North Carolina, Kathryn moved to Los Angeles, CA after receiving a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys exploring her new home state of California with her husband Jed and her dog Sallie.

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