Nurse Lynda is a pro. She handles children in the paediatric clinic where she works. There is Rohan, who runs away at the sight of a syringe; tight-lipped Mona who won’t cooperate with her doctor and Asif, who meddles with the doctor’s equipment when he is not looking.
Visiting the doctor does not mean you sit still with your finger on your lips and legs tied to the chair. Nurse Lynda understands that it can be stressful and boring.
Some advice
Before you leave home, remind your parents or any accompanying adult to take your medical records.
Many clinics require you to remove your footwear before you enter. So, watch for the signboard that says so.
Wait for your turn. If there is a token system, wait till your number comes up. Sometimes, you may have to wait for the nurse or clinic assistant to call out to you.
Do not talk loudly or run around the clinic. It will disturb others. If there is space outside to play, you may do so, but not otherwise.
Once inside, tell your doctor everything about your health and what is ailing you, so that he/she may diagnose correctly.
If you do not understand something that your doctor is telling you, ask again. They will be happy to repeat it for you.
Before leaving, thank your doctor and nurse. Courtesy demands it.
Passing time
Ideas to pass time while waiting to see the doctor: Take a book to read or a colouring book or ask to play a game on your parent’s phone but ensure that it is on silent mode. If you are at the clinic with a sibling or a friend, you can play games like ‘20 questions’ or ‘I Spy’ or ‘Stone, Paper, Scissors’ — they are fun and, at the same time, not noisy.
