Teen Advisory Board FAQ

The Teen Advisory Board includes nine teens who meet monthly to voice our opinions and make suggestions to make the hospital more "kid- and teen-friendly.” We also try to answer questions from other kids inside and outside the hospital.

Every month, the Teen Advisory Board looks for new information to add to our Frequently Asked Questions page. Then, we post the answers on the Web site to help other kids and teens.

Maybe we already answered your question. If not, the Teen Advisory Board may choose your question as the next one to post! Check back in a few weeks to see if we have an answer for you.

Because we can't answer all of the questions we receive, make sure to ask an adult. They might be able to answer your question, too!

Here are some recent questions and our answers:

• What is it like to be in the hospital?
• What is it like to have a sickness that lasts a long time?
• What might you say to other kids about being sick?
• What items should I bring to the hospital?

Q. What is it like to be in the hospital?
A. Some of our Teen Advisory Board members had this to say about staying in the hospital:

• Sometimes it can be very difficult, but not all the time.
• Sometimes it can be boring.
• You have to get used to the needles.
• It helps to make friends with the nurses and staff.
• Sometimes, it helps to get some fresh air, take a walk or spend some time in the play area.

Q. What is it like to have a sickness that lasts a long time?
A. Here are a few answers from kids like you:

• It can be scary and/or challenging, but you need to keep your chin up.
• Parents and friends can be a good support system.
• Sometimes, people treat you like you are fragile.
• School can be hard, because you had to skip gym class sometimes.

Q. What might you say to other kids about being sick?
A. Here is some advice from our members:

• Be brave.
• Remember that you are not alone.
• Try not to worry too much.
• Be positive.
• Listen to the doctors, they are trying to help you.
• Try not to worry about things you can’t control.
• If you need to get needles, have the nurse use Emla cream first. It helps with the pain.

Q. What items should I bring to the hospital?
A. You can bring any of these items to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital:

• Stuffed animal
• Walkman
• Game Boy
• Cards
• Books
• Homework