 | The unit clerk helps Carl and his family. | Soon, Carl's nurse arrives and helps him settle in his room. The unit clerk takes care of all the paperwork and administrative details for the unit. Each child is assigned a primary nurse who assesses and plans the child's nursing care. |
 | Kristie meets her roommate. | Most children share rooms with other patients. On all pediatric floors, a parent may stay overnight with the child. The room has a television set and a telephone near every bed. There is also space to put clothes and personal things. |
 | The doctor examines Alexander. | On each admission, patients receive a physical examination. |
 | Lunchtime! What are your favorite foods? | A dietitian meets with all patients. Sometimes, special diets may be necessary. The child's individual nutritional needs and preferences are taken into account. |
 | Jim and his family talk to their social worker. | Clinical Social workers help patients and their families learn about resources that can help them with hospitalization. The social worker can also help them cope with issues that arise related to their illness and discharge planning. |
 | Time for Carlos to have his blood drawn. | It only hurts for a short time. Afterwards, his nurse draws a smiling face on the bandage. Blood draws may be needed often during the child's care. Nobody likes "needle sticks," but the staff is specially trained to draw blood quickly and with as little pain as possible. |
 | In the outpatient clinic, the nurse checks Marcy's temperature. | Vital signs–temperature, blood pressure, respiration, and pulse–may be taken often during the day. Other measurements including height and weight may also be taken. |
 | Kim meets some friends in the playroom. | Everyone has something fun to do. Therapeutic recreation specialists help children adjust to their hospitalization through play therapy, field trips, crafts, sports, and other social activities. |
 | Alice has a CAT scan. | It's a picture of the inside of her body. X-rays and scans are part of the diagnostic process to help doctors understand what is happening inside a patient's body. All the tests are explained, and the patient and family should feel free to ask any questions. |
 | Tom visits the Patients' Library. | The library has a special section for children's books. There are also selections for adults as well as newspapers and magazines. |
 | The teacher helps Carrie with her schoolwork in the school or at the bedside. | Teachers in the NIH Children's School instruct students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It is important for children to continue their education while they are patients at the Clinical Center. |
 | Mary rides on a stretcher to go to her test. | Her parents come along, too. For certain tests, patients are transported on stretchers. |
 | Justin can go anywhere in the hospital, even with his I.V.! | Children may need to have medicine and other fluids which can only be given through a vein. The bottle of liquid is hung on a pole that can be moved easily. |
 | The doctors and other staff visit Jennifer during rounds. | During rounds, the staff meets to discuss and plan further treatment. |
 | A volunteer visits Mark. | Volunteers assist in many ways to make patients and their families more comfortable. |
 | Time for medicine! | Stacie takes her pills. A nurse or doctor gives medicine. A clinical pharmacist explains to patients how to take their medicine correctly. |
 | Erica and her family visit the chapel. | A chapel on the 7th floor of the Clinical Center is open for patients and families of any faith. Chaplains conduct services in the chapel and make visits on the patient care units. |
 | Some things you see in the hospital. | There are many items that are used in a patient's daily care: thermometer, blood pressure cuff, syringe, tongue depressor, stethoscope, emesis basin, reflex hammer, I.V. pole. |
 | The physical therapist works with Greta to help her walk better. | Patients may need to work with a physical therapist to restore or develop mobility lost during illness or treatment. A physical therapist may plan an exercise program for patients to follow when they return home. Occupational therapists work with children to help them regain mobility, lost function, and self care. |