Speak Up!

At Children’s Nebraska, we believe that you know your child best. You are part of our healthcare team and should be involved in your child's care to the extent you are comfortable.

We encourage you to use the guidelines laid out by the Joint Commission’s “Speak Up” program, which urges parents to be involved in their child’s care.

Help make your child’s care a safe and positive experience by following this advice:

• Pay attention to the care your child is receiving. Tell your nurse or doctor if something doesn’t seem right.

• Educate yourself about your child’s diagnosis, tests and treatment plan. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.

• Know the medications your child takes and why.

• If you have an urgent and significant concern about a change in your child’s condition, talk to your child’s nurse or provider.

• You and your child’s provider should agree on exactly what will be done during each step of your child’s care.

• Know who will be caring for your child, how long the treatment will last and how your child should feel.

• Seek a second opinion if you are unsure about the nature of your child’s illness and the best treatment.

• The more information you have about options available to you, the more comfortable you will be.

• Keep copies of your child's medical records and share them with your child’s health care team. This will give them a more complete picture of your child’s health history.

Speak Up! if your child...