Let’s Pretend Hospital to “admit” 2,700 first graders

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (March 11, 2013) — The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Nursing and Huntsville Hospital will “admit” 2,700 first graders to the 28th annual "Let's Pretend Hospital" beginning this week on the university’s campus.

The simulated hospital is located in the Nursing Building and will open its doors to “sick” first graders on Friday, March 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will resume activities March 18-22.

The purpose of the role-playing project is to teach children what they can expect during a hospital visit and to minimize fear and anxiety associated with hospitalization. This project also allows more than 200 UAHuntsville nursing students an opportunity to apply developmental theory in teaching children about nursing and health care.

First grade students from Huntsville City, Madison City and Madison County will have the opportunity to visit the virtual hospital setting which includes 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. Prior to the event, area teachers participating in the project receive information packets to help prepare children for the visit. The packets include the history of Let’s Pretend Hospital, and other reading materials to prepare the children for the unique medical experience. Each child will receive a surgeon's cap and mask, pencil, coloring book and crayons. The project is a joint effort of the UAHuntsville College of Nursing and Huntsville Hospital.

You may also be interested in:

• The College of Nursing
• More information about the Let's Pretend Hospital