Preparing for EMU Stay

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We understand staying in a hospital can be very stressful. We are here to help make your stay as easy as possible. Please let us know whenever we can help.

The following guidelines are for you to read and follow. This information is necessary in order to provide a safe environment for all of our patients and families.

What to know before and during your stay

Making a difference. Discover how the advanced technology and thinking in our EMU are making childhood easier for epilepsy patients. Visit our epilepsy monitoring unit here.

Please download and/or print the following documents so that you know what to bring to the EMU for your child's stay, and also what to expect while you are here. Doing so will help to make your visit with us much simpler so you can focus on the most important thing of all, your child's well being.

Welcome to the epilepsy monitoring unit: What you need to know about being admitted to the EMU (Spanish)
EMU (Epilepsy Monitoring Unit) handout

Caring for your child

It is important for children to follow their daily routine as much as possible. Please continue to care for your child as you do at home. We are always willing to assist you when needed.

Safety

Always keep the siderails up on your child's bed or crib.
Please do not sleep in the same bed with your child. You may stay in the bed until your child falls asleep, but then it is very important to move. Not only is this a safety precaution, but it also allows the video EEG camera to see your child's seizures on film without a parent blocking the view of the camera.
Seizure first aid training: May be watched on the room television. See the posted TV channel guide. CPR Training: May be watched on the room television. The hospital staff has CPR videos and pamphlets available as well.
IV site: Please notify your nurse at once if you see any redness or swelling at IV sites.
Telephone information to relatives: If you would like for us to give relatives information about your child's condition, please pick a password and tell it to your nurse. We only give telephone information to relatives who have this password.

Video monitoring

Video monitoring technicians watch the patient on camera for signs of seizure activity 24 hours each day. They may not leave the control room. Please use your call light for any needs.
Due to patient confidentiality, no parents or patients are allowed in the control room. Please use your call bell and do not knock on the control room doors.
Use the event button to mark any seizure events. Your nurse will explain how this button works. Take the covers off your child and turn on the light when a seizure occurs too.
When a seizure occurs, a nurse will come to the room to check on the patient. You may also hear instructions from a speaker in your room. Your child may be asked questions or told to do things like raise a hand or count during a seizure. Sometimes, staff members apply a small amount of pressure to your child's arm, leg, or shoulder during a seizure. This helps the doctor learn more about the seizure type.

Check out at the nurse's station before leaving unit

ID wrist band: Always wear you ID wrist band especially if you and your child plan to visit other areas in the hospital. If you are not wearing an ID band you will be asked to return to your unit.
Visiting hours: Visiting hours are over at 9:00 p.m. Family members entering the hospital after 9:00 p.m. must check in at the registration desk in the ER. The security staff will check your wrist band and/or explain what you need to do.

We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff, please call our offices at 682-303-2650.