SPOKANE, Wash. — When a child needs a medical procedure, even a small one, it can bring big worries for them and for their families. At Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, we understand that fear, and we’re committed to easing it. That’s why every team member here follows The Comfort Promise: We promise to do everything in our power to minimize pain during procedures like immunizations, lab draws, and IV starts.
While it may not be possible to eliminate discomfort entirely, we work to make every experience as comfortable, safe, and positive as possible.
Meet Amber Gilbertson: A Nurse Making Comfort a Priority
Amber Gilbertson, a nurse on our pediatric floor (3 South), sees every day how the Comfort Promise changes the experience for kids and families.
“I’ve had positive feedback from parents and kids,” Amber shared. “Kids who come back know what they want, and it helps them be part of their care.”
As the primary IV starter for her unit, Amber uses Comfort Promise tools frequently. One of the most important strategies, she says, is choosing the right environment.
“I think it’s important to alleviate anxiety and stress as quickly as possible,” she said. “Nurses should advocate for using the treatment room.”
By taking children to a dedicated treatment room, their own patient room remains a safe space — a place where they can rest, recover, and relax without associating it with painful procedures.
Tools That Help Kids Feel Safe and in Control
A key part of the Comfort Promise is giving children choices. Nurses take time to explain each option, so kids understand what will happen and what might help them feel more at ease. Here are some of the Comfort Promise tools Amber and her team use every day:
Adhesive remover: Helps soften tape and bandages so they come off without hurting.
Vein finder: A small device that helps nurses locate the best vein, reducing the risk of multiple pokes.
Freezy spray: Quickly numbs the skin before an injection or IV start.
Jtips: Uses compressed air to deliver lidocaine under the skin—no needle involved. Many teens love this option.
Buzzy Bee: A vibrating device that distracts nerves and interrupts the pain pathway during pokes.
SweetEase: A glucose solution that helps release endorphins, especially helpful for babies and young children.
Comfort positioning: Swaddling, skin-to-skin (infants), positioned in a supportive way – a secure hugging position rather than restraints, sitting upright.
Emotional support tools - Child Life Specialists: These trained professionals help kids focus on something other than the procedure—talking, playing, or using an iPad to shift attention away from the poke.
Poke prizes: After it’s over, kids choose a small reward like a stuffed animal, book, or toy—reinforcing bravery and resilience.
Training Every Nurse to Comfort Every Child
Every nurse at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital receives training in the Comfort Promise. The goal is simple: No matter who walks into your child’s room, they know how to support comfort, calm, and safety.
Procedures are sometimes necessary for your child’s care, but that doesn’t mean they have to be frightening. By minimizing stress and anxiety and by giving kids a sense of control, we help create a more positive experience and build trust that lasts long beyond the hospital stay.
Our Promise to You
Your child’s comfort matters to us. Whether it’s a lab draw, an immunization, or an IV start, we will always take the extra steps needed to reduce pain and fear. That’s our Comfort Promise—today and every day.
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