Nurses at the Day Surgery Center at Glens Falls Hospital take special steps to chase those childhood fears away.

The nurses visit local elementary schools each year, bringing an original videotape about a child’s experience at the Center, as well as some of their medical equipment, into the classroom. Children are encouraged to listen to their heartbeats, try on the blood pressure cuff, share experiences and ask questions. Children scheduled for surgery at the Center are also given the opportunity to view the video in the days leading up to their procedure.

At the Center, parents are often encouraged to accompany their children throughout the surgical procedure. There's also a recovery room especially for pediatric patients.

"Children are not little adults," says Mary Bauder, an R.N. who has taken a special interest in pediatric care during her nine years at the Day Surgery Center. "They need special attention and care to help overcome their fears. As a mom myself, I know how to give them that attention."