Working Moms 101: Where can I get after-hours care for my kids in Orlando?

July 28, 11:33 AMOrlando Working Moms ExaminerEileen Caines

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There is nothing worse than coming home from a harried day at work and being greeted by those five dreaded words: “Mommy, I don’t feel good!” When it’s something manageable like an upset stomach or a headache, home remedies (and snuggles with Mommy) are often all it takes for your little one to feel better. But when you’re dealing with a hacking cough, vomiting, a super-high fever or worse, you know it’s time to see a professional.

But most doctors’ offices keep regular business hours, and we all know that kids don’t get sick (or hurt) during regular business hours. So what is a mom to do? Thankfully, in Orlando, there are a few places to turn for help.

Where to go if it’s something minor: If it’s something simple like nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, and flu-like symptoms, the Minute Clinic inside select CVS pharmacies is a fantastic resource. There are CVS pharmacies all over Orlando, so there’s a good chance there’s a Minute Clinic near you. In the clinic, you’ll find licensed nurse practitioners and physicians assistants who can check on these symptoms (and many others) and diagnose and treat illnesses. They can even treat sprains, blisters, minor burns and small cuts. They’re open evenings (usually until 7:30pm) and weekends, and visits only take about 15 minutes (including wait time), so you’d be able to get your child to the doctor and know in advance if you’d better plan to stay home with your patient the next day. What’s more, they accept most insurance plans.

Where to go if it’s a little more serious: If your child is under the age of 18 months (the Minute Clinic only sees children 18-months or older), the Minute Clinic is closed, and/or your child’s symptoms are more serious than the Minute Clinic can treat, After Hours Pediatrics can help. After Hours Pediatrics is staffed with pediatricians, all certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics. They are open 5pm-11pm on weekdays and 1pm -11pm on weekends and offer a wider range of services, treating everything from sports injuries and broken bones to dehydration and asthma. Like the Minute Clinic, they also accept most insurance plans. There are five offices in Orlando: Windermere (Dr. Phillips), Waterford Lakes, Hunter’s Creek, Altamonte Springs, and Sanford.

Where to go if it’s really serious: If your child is extremely ill or severely injured, please call 911 and/or rush your child to the nearest hospital.

When our kids don’t feel well, we, as moms, don’t rest well. It’s comforting to know we have easy access to after-hours care for our kids when they need it.