During Your Visit

Little boy in blue gown on exam table and nurse holding his hand

At Cook Children's, we help you and your child feel safe and at ease during a stressful time. While we have advanced technology and a big team, you'll still find that we're child-friendly, warm and welcoming.

When you arrive at our Prosper medical center

Your first stop is at Patient Registration. When you enter the medical center through the doors under the blue awning, registration will be to your right, next to the information desk. Our registration staff will get you checked in and direct you to your appointment.

What a typical visit looks like

Most visits to the medical center include:

Questions from the doctor or nurse about your child's medical history, current health status and any changes you may have noticed
A physical exam, including height, weight, blood pressure, temperature and other measurements
Blood work, urine tests or imaging, depending on the medical condition — done either before your appointment starts or afterward

Some appointments take time. It's a good idea to bring toys, books and other forms of entertainment to help you and your child pass the time.

Food, retail and recreation Maps and wayfinding

Your room

Our patient rooms have everything you need. As a parent, you'll have an adjoining alcove to yourself, with your own TV and bathroom.

We've also designed the rooms so staff can empty your trash without coming inside. These small details mean a lot when you and your child are trying to rest.

Each room also has a 65-inch digital whiteboard. You can pass the time watching TV or movies. The digital whiteboard is also an interactive display you can use to order food, scroll through our health library or learn more about your medical care.

Control your room with our app

Your health care team

As a parent, you are the most vital member of the care team. You know your child better than anyone. That's why we partner with you to shape the treatment plan.

At Cook Children's, you'll meet many medical professionals and support staff. Sometimes, it's easy to lose track of who does what. If you're not sure, just ask. We're always happy to explain.

Members of your medical team may include:

Doctors check your child and decide what tests and treatments your child needs. Your child might have more than one doctor, depending on the diagnosis.
Advanced practice providers include nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work with the health care team to diagnose and treat your child. These advanced practice providers can also prescribe medications and other treatments.
Nurses record your child's medical history and symptoms, help perform tests, and give medicine. Your nursing team will also teach you about the illness or injury your child has.
Anesthesiologists give children medicine to put all or part of their body to sleep to avoid pain during surgery or procedures.
Hospitalists are pediatricians who specialize in caring for children during their stay at the medical center. A hospitalist will see your child daily and is available 24 hours a day to manage urgent medical needs.
Child Life specialists help your child cope with stress and anxiety through play and education. They give your child toys and plan fun activities to keep their growing and learning on track. Your Child Life specialist can also talk to siblings and other family members about their feelings.
Dietitians help with menu planning and discuss food choices and special nutritional needs with you and your child. We offer inpatient and outpatient nutrition services.
Home health caregivers provide quality, patient-centered care in your home. Our pediatric-trained home health practitioners also offer prosthetics and orthotics, when needed — they're experts at fitting children, teens and young adults.
Lab technicians carry out laboratory tests ordered by your child's doctor. These may include taking blood, collecting urine samples and more.
Patient care technicians help nurses care for your child. They take temperatures, change bed sheets, help with baths and more.
Pharmacists at Cook Children's specialize in pediatric prescriptions. Our pharmacists make sure your child gets the right medicine during your stay. We also have a retail pharmacy located in the lower level of our Prosper medical center.
Radiology technicians oversee X-rays, ultrasounds and other scans to help your doctor treat illness or injury. Cook Children's radiology team is uniquely trained in pediatric imaging.
Respiratory therapists provide therapy to children when they're having trouble breathing. They work closely with doctors and nurses to treat and educate children and parents about breathing problems.
Therapists provide a range of rehabilitation services, including occupational, physical, and speech and language therapy.

In addition to the medical team, members of our support staff may also participate in your child's care. They include:

Case managers work with families who need help getting medical services or equipment at home.
Chaplains provide spiritual support and comfort to those seeking meaning while facing difficult times. Our chaplains are open to families of all cultures, faiths and walks of life. They can connect you with other leaders in your chosen belief.
Environmental service staff make sure your child's room stays clean. They dust, mop, empty trash and remove dirty linens.
Patient representatives make sure you have the most positive experience possible. If you have a concern about your visit, contact our patient representatives by calling 945-204-0832. Or email us at: PatientRepresentativeProsper@cookchildrens.org
Interpretation services are available any time. Your child's nurse can help you connect with an interpreter.
Parent mentors provide support and encouragement to families with a new diagnosis, disability or other medical concern. We match you with parent mentors who share similar health care situations.
Social workers provide support, counseling and resources for you and your child. Our social services team can also help you apply for help through Medicaid, SSI, early childhood intervention and other programs.
Tech experts, or “techsperts,” work in Peaks Tech Zone, located on the first floor of the medical center. They can help you learn about and manage the MyCookChildren's patient portal, as well as any medical devices your doctor recommends.
Volunteers provide support to staff and patients throughout the medical center. They can help you find your way in the building or sit with your child if you need a break.

Finding help

Your child's health and healing depend on more than just top medical care. Everything in their environment plays a role — from their emotional well-being to their home life.

All families have questions and need support. At Cook Children's, we've developed a full range of services to meet any challenges that come up. No worries are too small, as we're here to help.

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