What to Expect While Waiting in the Emergency Department

Expect your child's care to take several hours. If you have other children who need your care, please plan for this early in your visit.

In the ED, we see patients in the order of how sick they are. A sicker patient may get called back before your child. Even if they do not look sick, they may have a condition where they need to be seen more urgently.

There are many reasons for this, especially during busy times. All the rooms may be full, or the medical staff may be interrupted by a sudden critical emergency. We make every effort to see our patients as fast as possible.

All patients will be seen, but those with life-threatening or severe illnesses or injuries will be seen first. Patients may be sicker than they appear and so they may be seen before your child, even if they arrived after your family.

We know this is the most difficult part of being in the ED. We try our best to see all patients quickly, but sometimes there is a long wait. This can be because there is a very sick child who needs the help of a lot of doctors and nurses, there was a large accident with several injured children, or the rest of the hospital is very busy.

We understand that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can make seeking medical care very scary. The ED is taking special precautions to safeguard the health and well-being of our patients, families, and community at large.

• All patients ages 2 and older, as well as adults, must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth
• Washing or sanitizing hands often is encouraged
• Social distancing is not required while wearing your mask

We ask that only two (2) adults be in the treatment area with a child at a time. Other children with you can stay with you and the patient, but we will ask you to stay with them outside of the room for any procedures.

If your child might need a procedure or surgery, or they are having a tummy issue, they may not be allowed to eat or drink right now. Please ask the nurse before you feed them.

• Vending machines are in the hallway inside and outside the ED waiting room
• If your child is in the treatment area and is being observed or admitted, we can order a lunch or dinner tray. We can order a tray for your child only and only during limited lunch and dinner hours. Ask a staff member if this is an option for your child
• The hospital has a cafeteria, as well as several other food and drink options. View detailed information about these amenities
• Order takeout, Uber Eats or Postmates
  • Tell the driver to come to the Children’s National ED driveway by following the signs for Children’s Emergency (red signs). The address is 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20010
• When you are taken back to a treatment area, there are free snacks available, including formula and food for your baby—just ask a staff member! Make sure to let us know if you or your child have any food allergies

Tell them to come to the Emergency Department at Children’s National Hospital Sheikh Zayed campus. The address is 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010. If they are not parking, they can come to the ED driveway, but they must not leave their car. If they are parking and coming to the ED, they can park on the P1 level and take the elevators to the first floor (Floor 1). After signing in with security, they will be directed to the ED.

Yes. We offer a free guest wireless network for patients, families and guests at our main campus. To connect, select “Bear Air” as the wireless network on your device. You may want to enable wireless calling so you can make phone calls if you are not able to get cellular service.

We do not always have enough private rooms for each patient. We care for patients in other treatment areas so that you don’t have to wait as long. The patients in private rooms are usually very sick, need a procedure or need to be isolated from other patients. You have been placed in a treatment area where our team can find you. At times we may start your care in a room and then need to move you to another location to wait for results or medications. We do this when we have a lot of patients to care for and appreciate your understanding.

Every visit is different because we provide personalized care to your child based on their specific age, symptoms and medical history. You may need to wait to be seen by a specialist or the doctors and nurses may need to wait for the results of a test. Radiology (X-ray, CT, ultrasound, MRI) test results may take 30 minutes to 1 hour and lab test results may take 1-2 hours. If you are not sure what you are waiting for or if you think your child is getting worse, let a staff member know right away.

The parking fee is $7 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. You may pay before you leave at the machines by the elevator.

Parents or guardians who park in the garage can purchase a validation ticket for $5 at the Parking Office, located near the Emergency Department, 1st Floor, East Inpatient Tower, from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. This ticket can be used at the exit gate by inserting the original parking ticket taken at the entrance to the garage, followed by the validation ticket. If you do not have a ticket from the entrance, you will pay the daily maximum rate of $7 if your stay was longer than 2 hours.

First, speak with your nurse or ED provider. We want to work with you to provide the best care for your child. In addition, you may ask to speak to the charge nurse or charge doctor in the ED during your visit. You will also receive a survey after your visit where you can leave comments. We read all these surveys and value what you have to say. If you would like to share more about your experience, contact the Children’s National Ombudsman Team at 202-476-2064.