HackensackUMC Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Emergency Department: Psychiatric Services
What to expect during your time in the Pediatric Emergency Department (Peds ED)
If your child is under 18 years of age, it is required that one parent or legal guardian remain for the duration of your child’s stay. This is necessary to ensure that someone is available to speak with members of the health care team as needed. A patient safety sitter may be assigned to stay within arm’s length of your child at all times. We do this to ensure the safety of your child until the Peds ED provider or psychiatrist determines that your child is not at risk for hurting himself/herself or hurting others.
A hospital gown will be provided for your child. All object that could be used for self-harm (jewelry, pens, pencils, etc.) will be removed from the room. This is done to ensure the safety of your child. Electronic equipment will also be removed to ensure your child is not in contact with people outside the hospital or online who may play a part in your child’s current emotional state. You will be asked to place your child’s belongings, including clothing with hospital security. Your child’s belongings will be returned upon discharge. Please partner with us in maintaining a safe space for your child by keeping your personal belongings outside of the child’s room.
Your child will be asked for a urine sample and may possibly require blood tests. These are part of your child’s medical exam. These tests help us to determine whether there is a medical reason for your child’s current behavior or emotional state. Your child may be examined by a Pediatric ED provider before the psychiatrist is called.
For you child’s safety, beverages will only be available to your child in paper cups. Glass and can pose a safety risk both to your child and to others. Please do not hesitate to request paper cups if you bring beverages for your child, please bring it to the nurse’s station first so it can be checked for potentially hazardous items, such as hot liquids, sharp utensils etc. This same process is followed for food trays brought up from our own cafeterias. We appreciate your support. The amount of time your child stays in the Peds ED cannot be predicted. It depends on many variables, including the following:
*Results of medical tests
*Results of the psychiatric evaluation
*Whether a transfer to another facility is necessary
*Decisions made by you and your child’s care team
We thank you for partnering with us as we work to keep your child safe during this time in the hospital. We understand you will continue to have questions. We encourage you to ask them so we can best meet the needs of your child.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 12 to 17 in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 (according to Suicide Prevention, Centers for Disease Control). If you are worried that your child may have thoughts of self-harm, please share your concerns with you nurse or health care provider.
If you have concerns about suicide after discharge, please contact the following:
Suicide Hotline-(201) 262-HELP
Private Psychiatrist or Therapist
Private Medical Doctor
Having a child in the emergency department can be scary and overwhelming. We recognize that the family is the greatest strength in a child’s life and the strongest influence over a child’s health and well-being.
Please partner with us to keep your child safe. We encourage you to ask questions and express your concerns to us. Your support is very important as we carry out our plan to ensure your child’s safety. Every effort will be made to keep you informed, seek your insight and work with you to keep your child safe while in the Peds ED.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach the charge nurse any time at 551-996-8912.
Your child’s team may include the following:
*Physician or Advanced Practice Nurse
*Social Worker
*Psychiatrist
*Patient Safety Sitter
*Registered Nurse
*Child Life Specialist
*Patient Care Tech
*Residents or Medical Students
Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Emergency Department HackensackUMC
30 Prospect Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Disclaimer: This information came directly from the HackensackUMC pamphlet for Pediatrics and I give them full credit on the information. Please check out their website or call them directly for more information.
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Please call or email the hospital for more information.
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