Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

You have probably already heard someone say children are just little adults, or like little people. Maybe you've even made the comment yourself. I know that I have, sometimes it's easy to get caught up and how smart a child seems or how they can copy one's mannerisms. The truths is that kids are not like adults, they are not just little people. In fact, their bodies work in very different ways. From the ways they process medicine, respond to injury, or the kind of care they need, they are different.

That is why Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is so important. HopeWatch has selected Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as one of our special charities. This means that even when we donate to other causes, our 3 charities still get help. At Children's their main focus is specialized care for children. But how do they do that?

First off, the doctors that work there receive additional training. And like most medical training this amounts to extra years of training. This training is honed by the fact that the doctors only treat children; this way they can focus on the kid's needs and develop their skills in pediatric medicine. Treating only children certainly constitutes specialized care, but they don't just stop with the doctors.

Children's also trains their staff to work specifically with children. The staff learns how to listen to children as well as look for nonverbal clues. It's easy to forget why this is so important, but remember, some of the patients at Children's are newborns and babies. They also train the staff in how to calm children down. When kids are scared from all the equipment and strangers on top of being sick, this is invaluable. The staff also has to be gentle and able to help the patient understand what is happening and remove as much fear as possible.

Even the buildings are designed with kids in mind. They have playrooms and fun colors. The fun colors even show up on the staffs scrubs along with some characters. Some nurses even end up with nicknames based on these characters, like 'mama duck'. It's inspiring to visit Children's website every once in a while to see their videos and read articles. Seeing kids upbeat and cheerful during their treatment or shortly after is amazing. Most recall the hospital experience as a good one. Now truth be told, I've seen my fair share of hospitals. I for one am a huge fan of the staff wearing bright colors and characters. No one wants to be in a hospital, the staff dressing like this helps distract you from what has brought you to the hospital in the first place. I think that's a great thing to give a child.

They also don't treat children like many hospitals will treat their patients, scooting them out the door as soon as possible. No at Children's they know how important it is to receive good care while being surrounded by family. This is why they focus on Family Care. Family has to be involved in the recovery process so they have 24 hour visitation! Yes, the whole hospital is open to visitation from family for 24 hours, and this includes the ICU. I can't imagine how reassuring t is for a child to know that their parents can visit anytime and even spend the night.

The quality of care at Children's is second to none. They have been working with kids for years and they definitely have their eye on the future. But it is a future that is by no means guaranteed. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a not-for-profit organization. Yes, while healthcare bills are skyrocketing and insurance premiums become too much for many families, Children's does not operate for a profit. They rely on financial or volunteer support. The donations that we make directly impact Children's patients. Look into a child's eyes when he or she is sick and you'll soon know why we are dedicated to helping children. Walk the halls of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta or watch their videos and you'll know why we chose Children's. Every HopeWatch sold benefits Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. But if you don't want a watch please donate time or money to help a great organization. Their slogan is truth in advertising, "children need Children's, and Children's needs you."