Blank Children's Hospital

• Pediatrric Emergency Room
• Child Life Services
• Advanced Technology

Lauren

When Monica took her daughter Lauren to the Blank Children's Hospital emergency room (ER) with a broken arm on the day of her 11th birthday party, she thought about calling off the celebration. Fortunately, thanks to the speed and specialization of the Blank Children's staff, Lauren was able to attend her party several hours later.

"I was so worried about Lauren and how sad she would be if she had to miss her birthday party after she took a tumble and broke her arm," says Monica. "Thankfully, the prompt, expert staff at the Blank Children's ER had Lauren back home in time to open presents and eat cake with her friends at the party. It's their special understanding and commitment to children that makes the Blank Children's ER so unique."

By specializing in the care of children, the Blank Children's ER is able to provide the highest level of care for the youngest of patients.

"We are the only pediatric ER in central Iowa to receive the highly coveted Level II trauma center verification," says Susan Allen, RN, MSN, nurse manager for the pediatric ER and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Blank Children's Hospital. "Whether it's a broken arm like Lauren's, stitches or a more serious injury, Blank Children's Hospital has the highly experienced staff and state-of-the-art technology to ensure every child is in good hands."

Need another reason to choose Blank Children's pediatric ER?

Consider these important features of the cutting edge facility:

• Staffed by pediatric emergency medicine physicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Access to the PICU
• Certified care delivered by a Level II trauma team
• Soothing decor and kid-sized furniture
• Personalized attention and services from certified Child Life specialists

"One of the reasons we chose Blank Children's Pediatric ER over other providers is because of their Child Life specialists," says Monica. "When Lauren broke her arm, the Child Life specialists were there to explain everything to her in a way she could understand-they even gave her a birthday present to play with at her party!"

Certified Child Life specialists work throughout Blank Children's Hospital to ensure patients' and families' needs are met, including encouraging family-centered care that makes children less anxious.

Child Life

Other services provided by the Child Life department include:

• Comprehensive education for family members is provided by Child Life specialists on all aspects of the care being administered to their child.
• Child Life specialists use cloth dolls and real medical supplies to explain what the child will experience. For instance, when a child receives stitches, he or she is given a cloth doll. The child life specialist, with the child, demonstrates on the doll what will happen when receiving stitches. The child is able to practice on the doll, and this helps soothe fears and empower the child for taking part in his or her care.
• By utilizing "soft language," Child Life specialists are able to communicate to the patient every step of the care in an easy to understand format, allowing room for questions or further explanation.

"Our goal is to make the child and his or her family members comfortable and knowledgeable about each step of the care he or she is receiving in the ER," says Julie Pedigo, CCLS, supervisor of the Child Life department for Blank Children's Hospital. "Because we focus on what is best for the child and the family, while simultaneous working with a team of pediatric physicians and nurses, we are able to provide a unique and special experience for all children who receive care at Blank Children's Hospital."