Caring for Your Child

Special Care For Children

We are here to support you and your family. Our goal is to make your child’s outpatient procedure safe, efficient and comfortable and return them back to health as soon as possible.

At any time, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 973-940-3166.

Please notify us at least one day in advance if you need to cancel or postpone your child’s procedure.

Prior to Your Child’s Procedure

Your doctor’s office will let you know of any specific testing requirements your child may need during the Pre-Surgical office visit. Please let your doctor know if your child is taking any anti-inflammatory medicines (aspirin, Motrin, Advil, etc.) or blood thinners. One of our nurses will call you before your procedure to answer any questions you may have. You may bring any “comfort” article that may make your child’s surgical experience a better one. Please bring all medical insurance cards, a list of all medications your child is taking including dosages.

For patients 15 and under the surgeon will request current immunization records and a pediatric assessment, this will be completed by their primary care physician.

The Day Before Your Procedure

Please don’t allow your child to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure unless specifically allowed by the child’s doctor. If your child is taking medications regularly for any medical conditions (such as asthma) or for seizures (epilepsy), we recommend that they continue taking them on their usual schedule, including the day of the procedure. Take these medications with a small sip of water. If you have any questions about your child’s medications, please speak with your pediatrician/primary care physician regarding your medication regimen for the day of the procedure.

When You Arrive

Please see our receptionist at your scheduled arrival time to check in. We try to schedule the arrival time so that the wait before your child’s surgery is as short as possible. Please keep in mind that surgical times are approximate and there may be a delay. We ask for your patience and cooperation if there should be a delay. Our goal is to keep every child safe. Parents are welcome in the pre-op area to stay with your child. You will be given a locker and your child will change into a gown. Your physician, RN and anesthesiologist will meet with you privately prior to the procedure to answer any questions you may have.

Once your child leaves the pre-op area for surgery, you should plan to remain in the waiting area. A large screen TV is available as are complimentary beverages. If there is anything we can provide you with, please let us know. Please note that cell phone usage is permitted within the waiting area and the area is Wi-Fi assessable.

During Your Child’s Procedure

Your child will be assigned to a team of doctors and nurses who are familiar with pediatric procedures and certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Following Your Child’s Procedure

As soon as possible following surgery you will be allowed in to spend time with your child. We encourage your input in the recovery of your child at this time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your child more comfortable. We will be present with your child before, during and after their procedure to make him or her as happy, calm, relaxed and comfortable as possible at all times. If there is ever anything at all that we can do for you please let us know. The more relaxed and comfortable you are the better.

Common Questions Family Members Ask

You can ask your surgeon and anesthesiologist if this is allowed. It is at their discretion.

Please remain in the waiting area. Enjoy our big screen TV and complimentary beverages. Please do not leave the waiting area without informing the receptionist. As soon as your child goes into surgery, it is very important to check with the receptionist in the Waiting Room. We want to be able to get in touch with you should the staff or your child need you. At least one parent should wait in this area at all times. The Waiting Room is where the surgeon will look for you after the procedure to tell you about the surgery.

Once your child’s surgery is over, the surgeon will speak with you. During this time, the anesthesiologist will awaken your child and bring him/her to the Recovery Room (PACU). It is our objective to reunite you with your child as soon as possible. Please note that it may take 30 minutes or longer until you are able to see your child.

We will reunite you with your child in the PACU as soon as it is medically appropriate. Stage I PACU is a restricted area; for safety and privacy, only 1 parent is allowed in Stage I. Upon entering, please use the hand sanitizer at the area provided. If you easily become faint or queasy, choose another adult to be with your child in the PACU. Once your child is moved to Stage II Recovery, both parents may remain. If you have other children with you, they are not permitted into any of the Recovery areas – please supervise your children at all times.

When you first see your child, he/she may be very sleepy and may have an oxygen mask on or near the face. Your child may have an IV, and may be connected to a monitor that will measure heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Your child’s face may appear puffy, red, or swollen. Your child may already be awake when you arrive. Some children are alert and smiling, others are upset and crying. Each child wakes in his/her own way following anesthesia. All of these reactions are normal.

If your child is sleeping, please do not touch or try to awaken him/her. Children are calmer if they can sleep and wake up naturally from anesthesia. If your child is fussy, holding them may be comforting. This fussy state may last the entire time you are in the PACU. Your child may have some pain after surgery; the PACU nurse will be scoring your child’s pain and administering pain medication as needed.

Your child’s nurse will answer your questions and give you instructions on how to care for your child at home. The nurse will also give you any prescriptions for medicine(s) that your doctor wants your child to take at home. Please review all information that the surgeon may have given you in the office prior to your child’s surgery.

Please don’t make any plans for the remainder of the day; your child needs to stay home and get some rest and relaxation. Also, if your child was given any anesthesia or sedation, no driving is permitted for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

Your child’s safety, well-being and comfort are our highest priority. We thank you for choosing The Specialty Surgical Center. Please remember that everyone on our team is here to provide you and your child with a courteous and professional experience.