Ideas That Work: Teddy Bears Bring Comfort to Pediatric Patients

When pediatric surgeries began ramping up at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine, the anesthesia and nursing teams wanted to be sure young patients felt comfortable in their care. “One CRNA mentioned that staff at another facility where she worked gave pediatric patients teddy bears in pre-op,” says Janice Nichols, MSN, RN, CNML, director of perioperative services at St. Mary’s. “Our staff loved the idea so much that they were willing to donate their own money to the cause.” They teamed up to purchase 500 bears outfitted in St. Mary’s Health System t-shirts. Young patients take the bears to the OR and can snuggle them at home after they’re discharged. “Patients tell us they love how soft they are,” says Ms. Nichols. “Something as simple as a teddy bear really does make a difference.” You can order bears wearing clothes customized with your facility’s logo here: osmag.net/TeddyBears.