The College of Nursing and Huntsville Hospital will host Let's Pretend Hospital March 19-23 on the UAH campus.
Michael Mercier | UAH
Lions and tigers, and bears, oh my! The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s (UAH) College of Nursing and Huntsville Hospital will open the doors to Let’s Pretend Hospital (LPH) March 19-23. The theme for LPH 2018 is "Jungle Safari."
More than 2000 first grade students from 39 Madison County public and private schools will travel to UAH, where nursing students and faculty, along with Huntsville Hospital staff are giving pretend "patients" first hand experience at what happens when you’re admitted to the hospital.
"Let’s Pretend Hospital allows UAH nursing students an opportunity to apply developmental theory in teaching children about nursing and health care," said Dr. Marsha Howell Adams, Dean UAH College of Nursing.
Before attending LPH, teachers and school administrators receive event information packets to help prepare children for the unique medical experience. The packets include the history of LPH, and other reading materials to prepare the children for the unique medical experience.
"The purpose of the role-playing project is to teach children what they can expect during a hospital visit and minimize fear and anxiety associated with hospitalization," said Dr. Melissa Foster (DNP, RN, CNS, IBCLC) Clinical Assistant Professor.
First grade students, with their teacher’s assistance select a "Mother," "Father," and "Patient," to participate in the pretend hospital setting, which will include an emergency room, X-ray and laboratory, operating room, patient room and pediatric playroom.
Children will also learn important information about how to make healthy food choices as well important safety tips.
All children visiting LPH will receive a surgeon's cap and mask, pencil, coloring book and crayons.
All motorists in the area of the College of Nursing are asked to drive with extreme caution.
