What to Expect As You Prepare for Surgery at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Hi there! If you’re watching this, it means you or your child are getting ready for surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. I’m here to help make sure you feel prepared and ready. Let's go over some important steps!

First up, the Pre-Surgical Orientation. This program is for kids ages 3 and up, and it helps you get to know the hospital. You'll get a tour of our Griffin Surgical Tower, meet some cool people, and ask any questions you have.
Parents, please make sure you register by calling (305) 666-6511, extension 3932.

Talking about surgery can be tough, but it's really important. Parents should try to explain what's happening in simple words. And remember, it’s okay to ask questions and share your feelings.
On the night before surgery, no eating or drinking after midnight, unless the nurse says it's okay to have an electrolyte drink or water.

Don’t forget to pre-register and check your insurance details too.
Your parents will receive a text message where they can start the registration process
It is important to complete this step prior to your surgery to make things faster when you get here.

On the day of surgery, be sure to add extra time for traffic and parking. Remember, no jewelry, contact lenses, make-up, or hair products. And shower with anti-bacterial soap the night before or the morning of surgery.

Now, what to expect on the day of your surgery.

First, you and your family will arrive at the hospital and head over to a security desk where you will get visitor badges. Safety is super important here!
Next Your parents will enroll you in our system by using a kiosk.
Once done, you will proceed to the registration booth.

At Registration, you’ll check in and get a cool ID band. It’s like a special bracelet that let’s everyone in the hospital know who you are.

Then, you’ll be guided to the preop area. A friendly staff member will show you the way
In the waiting room, you’ll meet the Unit Coordinator. They’ll take you to the pre-op area.
In the Pre-op area, you’ll meet a friendly care assistant where she checks your height and weight and will take you to your own special room called the Pre-op bay.

Now, a care assistant will give you hospital pajamas and socks to wear. After that, the
care assistant will check your vital signs which means taking your temperature, checking your blood pressure by using an arm band which gives your arm a big hug! She then puts a sticker with a red light on your finger to check your oxygen to be sure everything is just right.

Then, you’ll meet your pre-op Nurse, they will continue the pre surgery process. This includes getting some consents signed, which means your parents give permission for the surgery to happen.

Now, my favorite part is meeting the Child Life Specialist, they are like teachers in the hospital. They help you learn about why you’re here and answer any questions you might have. They help make the hospital a little less scary by providing support and education to help you feel comfortable during your visit.

It’s so much fun to learn about the sleepy mask you will use during surgery.
Our Childlife friends will help you decorate the mask
with cool stickers, and practice taking deep breaths together.

Next, you’ll meet the Anesthesiologist, or an Advanced Practice Provider. They’ll explain how they help you sleep safely during surgery.

Your surgeon will also come by to talk about the procedure and answer any questions you might have.If needed, a nurse will place a tiny tube called a peripheral IV in your arm. It’s like a superhero straw that gives you medicine. But don’t worry, the nurse will put numbing medicine on the spot first so it won’t hurt.

If your doctor ordered it, you’ll get some pre-medication to help you relax before going to the operating room.
Before you head to surgery, the OR Nurse and your Preop Nurse will have a quick chat to make sure everything is ready.
Once that’s done, it’s time for your adventure! You’ll go to the Operating Room, and your family will get updates through text messages.

While you’re in surgery, The care assistant will guide your family to the waiting room where your family will wait in a comfy area and get updates on how you’re doing.
After surgery, the surgeon will talk to your family to let them know how everything went.

Soon, you’ll all be together again in the PACU, or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, where you’ll wake up from your nap.
When you’re ready to go home, the nurse will give your family instructions and remove your superhero straw.

Finally, you’ll get a ride in a wheelchair, and your family will take you home to rest and recover.
Thanks for visiting Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower at Nicklaus Children's Hospital!
We’re here to make your surgery day as smooth and comfortable as possible. Get well soon!


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