The medical environment can be a scary place for children. Early preparation for your visit can help make you and your child’s experience with Rady Children’s Surgical Services pleasant and successful. It is important to be honest when talking with your child about what will happen. We want to help make their visit a positive experience, that’s why we have numerous tools and resources available to help explore what to expect and to encourage discussions between you and your child.
Begin Preparing Now
After your appointment is scheduled, start getting ready for your visit by learning about what to expect at Rady Children’s Hospital. Here are some helpful tools and resources you can explore with your child to prepare for their upcoming visit:
- Start a conversation with your child regarding their hospital experience, surgery, or learning about their body. Here is a list of books to help:
- Need some help talking to your child about their procedure? Here are some tips below:
What Do I Need to Do Before My Visit?
Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to learn what to do to for your arrival. View our resources below for general information about the details of your arrival.
- Patient Guide to Preparing for a Procedure: English/En español
- Eating and Drinking Instructions Before a Procedure: English/En español
Pre-op Tour
Want to come see the Surgical Services area in real life? Book a Pre-op Tour with us today. This pre-surgery orientation includes a walking tour and an information session with the opportunity to ask questions. Learn more: English/En español
When: Wednesdays from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Reservations are required by noon the Tuesday before the tour.
Who: We recommend the tour be for children 3 years and older who are having an upcoming procedure. We encourage only two caregivers and the patient to attend the tour.
If siblings and/or any other family members are present, they may be asked to wait outside.
Where: Check-in at the Acute Care Pavilion 1st floor, Surgery Information Desk by 6:00 pm
3010 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123
Please park in the parking structure across from the hospital. We do not validate parking.
If you can’t attend a tour, you can watch these helpful videos:
Video: Pre-Op Tour: Preparing your child for surgery
Vídeo: Recorrido de Pre-Operación: Preparando a su hijo para cirugía