A Message from the Nursing Staff
Welcome to our nursing unit. Your child has a breathing tube called a tracheotomy and needs special care. We know that this is a hard time for you and your child. You may have many questions, concerns or fears. You may be afraid you won't be able to learn how to take care of your child's tracheotomy tube.
We are here to help you learn about your child's special needs. In fact, throughout your stay, you and the health care team will be planning for the day your child can return home.
Based on our experience with many families who have learned to care for a child with a tracheotomy tube, we offer this advice:
- Spend time taking care of your child during the hospital stay. The more involved you are while your child is here, the better prepared you will be at home.
- Choose a co-caregiver to learn with you. You cannot provide care 24 hours a day. You will need help from someone else who knows how to take care of your child's tracheotomy tube. Remember, any person caring for your child with a tracheotomy tube will need to know all of the skills that you learned while in the hospital.
- When your child is almost ready to go home, you and your co-giver should spend at least one full day and night with your child in the hospital. We call this 'round the clock time "transitional" care. This time will help you prepare for transition from hospital to home.
- Encourage your child's brothers, sisters and other family members to visit. Your child will want company, and your family will begin to feel more comfortable about the tracheotomy tube.
- Ask questions. Your health care team can do a better job taking care of your child and helping you if we know your questions and concerns.
Meet Your Care Team
During the hospital stay, many people will be involved with your child. You will meet and work with:
| Doctors | Child Life Therapist | Respiratory Therapists |
| Nurses | Dietitian | Social Worker |
| Nurse Practitioners | Occupational Therapist | Speech Therapist |
| Chaplain | Physical Therapist | |
Support At Home
Before you are ready to take your child home, you will choose an equipment company to supply the items you need to care for your child with a tracheotomy tube. Your discharge planner and social worker will make arrangements with your equipment company to deliver medical equipment to your home so that you have everything needed to care for your child upon discharge.
You may also qualify for home nursing. Your discharge planner and social worker will help you explore the possibility of home nursing and can give you a list of companies that provide home care. They will consult with your doctor to determine the number of hours recommended, then contact your insurance company to determine policy limitations. Additionally the discharge planner and social worker will co-ordinate nursing to begin upon discharge.
Revised 7/07
