Learning Through Imagination Since 1985, Let’s Pretend Hospital has introduced thousands of first-grade students to the hospital environment in a fun and educational way. Designed to reduce fear and anxiety about hospital visits, the program blends creative play, hands-on learning, and thoughtful instruction, bringing the world of healthcare to life for young minds. Let’s Pretend Hospital is hosted annually by the UAH College of Nursing in collaboration with Huntsville Hospital’s Department of Volunteer Services. Over five days in March, between 1,650 and 2,000 students from Madison County, Madison City, and Huntsville City Schools participate in this immersive experience. Nursing students who once visited LPH as children now help bring it to life, passing the torch to a new generation. A Community-Based Learning Experience Senior nursing students lead the planning and execution of the event as part of their Community Health Nursing course, under the guidance of College of Nursing faculty. This initiative teaches students essential skills in community program management. Each room features skits and demonstrations, and children are invited to ask questions, reinforcing the interactive nature of the experience. One student from each group is chosen to be the “patient” for each room, helping children engage more deeply with the material. The event features a series of hospital-themed rooms that simulate real clinical settings: Miss Molly's Patient Room (Teaching puppet) Emergency Room Operating Room X-ray and Laboratory Playroom Safety Room Ambulance Modernizing with Care Each year, Let’s Pretend Hospital is updated to reflect modern healthcare practices and community needs. Recent additions include content on internet safety and the incorporation of services like music therapy, art therapy, and hospital comfort dogs, introduced by Huntsville Hospital Child Life Specialists who staff one of the rooms daily. Planned enhancements for the future include new interactive features, such as the opportunity for children to touch 3D-printed medical models, making the hospital feel less mysterious and more approachable. A Lasting Impact We’re proud to say that Let’s Pretend Hospital works. Students complete brief surveys about their hospital-related fears before and after attending the event, providing valuable insight into how the experience helps reduce anxiety. Anecdotal feedback also continues to flow in, stories of children feeling braver during real hospital visits, and even nursing students who say LPH inspired their career path. Let’s Pretend Hospital is more than just a field trip, it’s a milestone. From senior nursing students gaining real-world public health experience to young children feeling empowered and less afraid of medical environments, LPH strengthens the bond between healthcare and the community it serves.