Why It Is Better to Have Your Children Admitted to a Children's Hospital Than a Regular Hospital

Children are not to be treated like little adults when it comes to providing medical care. Their differences to adults lie in their physical maturity, perception and communication, and effects of term care and medication. Children are still undergoing many changes in all aspects of growth. This, therefore, calls for special health care from doctors and nurses who specialize in pediatrics.

Individuals who wish to work at children's hospitals must receive specialty training in children's health. Pediatricians receive in depth education on pediatrics for at least six years. Pediatric specialists allot three years in fellowships or internships. Registered nurses also get into internship programs and take additional supplemental nursing courses related to children's medical care. They may also focus on other related fields in children's health like neonatal nursing- nursing care for newborns (babies up to 30 days) with health problems and premature babies.

Physical growth of adults and children are completely different. Children's growth is still on-going and this fact must be taken into account by medical professionals. They need to make sure that whatever medications, procedures or treatment they give and form will not give any adverse effects on the natural physiological and psychological development of children.

The structure and functions of a child's body is different to an adult. Children have not reached their full potential and are often more vulnerable to diseases. The size of their body is smaller than that of an adult which is why when performing surgeries, it is important that the tools and equipment used are specially designed for use of children. Diseases that afflict children and treatments used for them usually are different to those for adults.

Illnesses which affect children are sometimes life threatening to them; but harmless to adults. One example is the Respiratory Syncitial Virus which seems like a common cold to adults but is fatal in some cases to children. There are also many diseases that only children are vulnerable to.

Often in children's hospitals, it can be seen that they utilize instruments and equipment designed for children's use; this can be seen in smaller versions of IV lines, needles and respirators.

It is important for health care providers in this particular setting to have good communication and perception skills of children. Involvement of parents in the care and treatment of children is highly encouraged.

Children's hospitals have a colourful and often whimsical environment to give children a sense of home and security. There are also Child Life Specialists that assist in reducing anxiety of children and providing support to physicians, nurses and families.