Thinking about staying in the hospital makes most people feel a little apprehensive. But if you have an illness or injury that requires hospitalization, knowing what to expect before you get to the hospital may make your time there a little easier.

Teens find themselves in the hospital for different reasons. Some may be admitted to the hospital through the emergency department for problems that need immediate medical treatment. Others are scheduled to have surgery, special medication, or other treatments prescribed by their doctors.

If you do need to stay in the hospital, you'll first go through an admissions process, where nurses and admissions staff will take some information about you and fill in paperwork. Then you'll be taken to your room on the inpatient floor. Many hospitals have floors just for hospitalized kids and teens, with staff that better understand younger people and have special training in working with them.

In many ways, a hospital room is a lot like any bedroom. You'll have a bed, a bedside table, a chair, and probably a window. You might even prefer your hospital room to your room at home — at home you might not have your own bathroom, for example! You may have to share your room with another person, but private rooms are sometimes available. If you share a room, you will probably be rooming with someone close to your own age to talk to and share your experiences with.

Some hospitals also let parents sleep on a cot in their kids' rooms. If you'd like a parent's company overnight, check with the hospital staff in advance to find out whether they can arrange this.

People in the Hospital

In most cases, it won't be just one doctor, or just the doctor you're used to, taking care of you in the hospital. In many larger hospitals — especially children's hospitals — nurses, nurse's aides, therapists, and hospital volunteers will also take part in your care. In some hospitals, doctors also work with medical students who are training to be doctors, and resident doctors who are getting additional training in a specialty, like pediatrics.

Nurses are often the first people you meet when you get to the hospital. When you arrive, a nurse will ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. A nurse will get you settled into your hospital room and help make you as comfortable as possible. He or she will also take your vital signs, which include your temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Nurses will also help you during your stay, and they can offer you some great tips on how to take care of yourself both during and after your stay — they might recommend stuff like putting a plastic bag over IV lines or casts when you shower to protect them. When you first arrive in your room, find out where the call button is so you can contact a nurse for assistance if you need help.

Nurses work closely with doctors, who supervise the care you receive while you're in the hospital. Depending on the reason for your hospitalization, your doctor might be a general pediatrician, who treats many kinds of medical problems that kids and teens have, or a pediatric specialist, a doctor with extra training in specific problems.

Here are a few of the medical personnel or specialists you might encounter if you're hospitalized:

• anesthesiologist: An anesthesiologist administers medicine during surgery to help you relax and fall asleep. The anesthesiologist is present during an operation to watch over you and make sure you have no pain.
• surgeon: A surgeon operates on you if you are having surgery.
• oncologist: An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
• cardiologist: A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in treating heart or blood vessel problems.
• pulmonologist: A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in treating lung problems, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
• endocrinologist: An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases and conditions caused by hormone problems. An endocrinologist also treats diabetes and certain metabolic problems.
• child life specialist: A child life specialist is trained to talk to kids and teens about medical procedures, comfort them if they are upset about something or need some extra support, and organize "play time" for hospitalized kids and teens to get together and hang out.
• intern or resident: Interns and residents are doctors who are training in a specialty such as pediatrics or surgery; an intern is a first-year resident.
• IV team and phlebotomists: Many hospitals have an IV team that does IV placement (an IV is a straw-like tube that is placed into a vein under the skin to directly give someone fluids or medicines) or phlebotomists who draw any blood work that is needed.

Some specialists aren't doctors, but have extra training in specific areas of health care. A respiratory therapist, for example, helps teens who are having trouble breathing by giving breathing treatments or providing oxygen. If you have to have a special diet while you're in the hospital, a dietitian or nutritionist will plan balanced meals to meet your nutritional needs. A physical therapist may help you move your joints and muscles and develop strength after surgery or an accident.

Medical Tests

Relax — many of the medical tests you'll have in the hospital are much less painful than a 10-question pop quiz.

You may have your blood drawn so laboratory technicians can test it to evaluate whether there are any problems. If a nurse asks you to pee in a cup, don't be surprised — your urine may be checked for bacteria, protein, sugars, and other things you probably never thought much about before. Other samples may be taken and tested, depending on the reason you are in the hospital.

Several tests are used to create images of the body. One common type of imaging test is an X-ray. X-rays use small amounts of radiation to penetrate the body and form an image of your bones on film.

Other common imaging tests include:

• computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan: This uses special X-rays and computer enhancement to create a more detailed 3-D-like image of body parts, especially internal organs.
• ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs like the kidneys or liver. Ultrasounds can look for fluid inside the belly and are commonly used to monitor an unborn baby's growth during pregnancy.
• echocardiogram: This special ultrasound test uses sound waves to examine the heart in motion.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs use magnets and radio waves to produce extremely clear, detailed images of body organs, including the brain. MRIs are often used to diagnose sports injuries, especially those involving muscles and ligaments (the tough tissue that connects bones).

The Long Haul

Some teens with serious illnesses or injuries may have to stay in the hospital for weeks, months, or even longer. Their school lives, relationships with friends, and extracurricular activities may be interrupted so they can receive extensive medical treatment. But these interruptions don't mean your life has to be put on hold.

Many hospitals, especially those that treat only kids and teens, have classes available to their patients. Through these hospital schools, you can receive academic credit for your attendance and achievement. You'll still have homework, but the school will often provide teachers, tutors, computer access, and other tools you need to complete your education. In addition, the hospital patient education program will often help you make the transition back into your school when your doctor says you may return.

Despite the support of your family and doctors, you may still feel sad and lonely sometimes. Teens who spend a lot of time in the hospital have a lot to deal with, so being frustrated, upset, and even angry is completely understandable. One of the hardest things about being in the hospital for a while is that people miss out on social activities with their friends. Although people who have long hospital stays may be able to stay in touch with friends via phone, IM, and email, sometimes it just isn't the same.

Here are a few coping strategies:

• Have a party at your place. Your friends may not understand that you want them to visit you in the hospital. Invite them to visit you and play cards, watch videos, or just hang out. Maybe they could even smuggle in a pizza.
• Make some new friends. The Starbright Foundation, a nonprofit organization, provides a private online community for teens with chronic or long-term illnesses. Starbright World offers secure bulletin boards, chat rooms, and activities for teens, and many children's hospital provide access to the service. Many teens have met new friends through this service.
• Try the Teen Room. Many children's hospitals have special rooms or lounges just for teens. Teen rooms are often stocked with magazines, video games, art supplies, and music.
• Find your release. Whether it's drawing, writing, making music, or talking, everyone needs a way to relieve stress. Find your own way to de-stress and do it daily.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: October 2007