It can be scary for anyone in the hospital, but even more so for a child. Our Child Life specialists at Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital work alongside the healthcare team to help children cope while being in the hospital – and adding in a little bit of fun, whenever possible.
What is a Child Life Specialist?
A Child Life Specialist is a trained healthcare professional whose role is to improve patient and family centered care while reducing the stress and anxiety that can be associated with hospitalization. Each specialist has a bachelor’s or master’s degree in child development or a closely related field. All Child Life Specialists at Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital are also certified through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
What does a Child Life Specialist do?
The main responsibilities of a Child Life Specialist are to:
- Offer play and normalization activities such as toys, games, crafts, etc.
- Increase a child’s understanding of their hospital experiences through the introduction of supervised medical play and preparation for procedures.
- Explain procedures in language a child can understand, using preparation books, medical dolls, tablets and other resources.
- Offer support and distraction during medical procedures with sensory toys and games as well as techniques such as deep breathing, alternative focus, guided imagery, etc.
- Conduct therapeutic activities with children to help them cope with being in the hospital or with a particular illness or injury.
- Educate siblings or other family members about a child’s diagnosis or reason for hospitalization.
- Offer emotional and grief support for patients and families.
