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What is child life?
Children have special and unique developmental and emotional needs when entering the hospital environment. The child life program provides developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to grow, learn, socialize, and play while hospitalized.
What is a child life specialist?
A child life specialist is a professionally trained and certified member of the healthcare team. They have college degrees in child development or a related field. By utilizing play and educational tools they work with patients, siblings, and parents to minimize the stress and anxiety related to hospitalization.
What services does child life provide?
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Age-Appropriate preparation for hospitalization, hospital procedures, or surgery.
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Conducts outpatient surgery preparation tours.
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Provides emotional support and diversional activities during painful and stressful procedures.
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Provides medical play to help children gain a better understand of their hospital experiences and procedures.
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Provides playroom and bedside activities.
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Coordinates holiday events, special visitors and groups, and donations.
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Supervise and coordinate pediatric volunteers.
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Schedules hospital fieldtrips for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classrooms.
What activities are available for my child while they are hospitalized?
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Age-appropriate toys, games, and crafts are available in the pediatric playroom.
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VCRs are available in pediatric patient rooms. Movies maybe checked out at the pediatric nurses station.
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Regular Nintendo, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64 is also available for pediatric and teen patients.
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Children are encouraged to bring special toys from home, along, as they are safe and appropriate for the child’s developmental level.
My child is scheduled for surgery, how can we prepare them?
Schedule a pre-admission tour with the child life specialist to learn about hospital events and procedures in non-threatening language your child can understand. The pre-admission program includes a hospital tour, age appropriate teaching related to surgery, medical play, and a treat bag for home. The tours are held Monday through Friday and maybe schedule be contacting the child life specialist.
What about volunteering in pediatrics?
Pediatric volunteers are trained and supervised by the child life specialist. Volunteers provide families breaks and play activities for patients and siblings. Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older, commit to volunteering one day per week for a minimum of 16 weeks, and adhere to the policies and procedures of St. Elizabeth Regional Health. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the child life specialist.
How can I contact a child life specialist?
A child life specialist is available Monday through Friday by telephone at (765) 447-6811 ext. 4727 |
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