Child Life Internship Program
Child Life Programs in health care settings are designed to help children understand and cope with what they may experience in the hospital. Child Life Programs strive to promote optimal growth and development of children, teens and families. Child Life Specialists and staff provide opportunities for gaining a sense of mastery for play, learning, self-expression, family involvement and peer interaction. Child Life staff uses play as a primary tool because of its crucial importance to children as a means of coping with stress.
It is the goal of Baptist Health System Child Life Program to be available to assist in providing psychological preparation and support to all patients from the ages of 0-18 and their families. Our staff includes one full-time Certified Child Life Specialist during the day and a host of practicum students daily. Even though staffing is limited, we try to meet the needs of all patients daily. The goals for our Child Life staff include:
- Foster and encourage optimal development for children, teens and families.
- Advocate for normalization of hospital environment.Minimize psychological trauma, stress and anxiety.
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities for continued development and increased coping.
- Incorporate activities that foster expression of feelings.
- Promote a sense of mastery by offering acceptable choices.
- Educate and facilitate an understanding of procedures.
- Increase children’s understanding of hospital setting through “Let’s Pretend Hospital” in March each year.
- Enhance the child’s relationship with his/her family.Increase coping during bereavement experiences.
- Participate actively in family-centered care.
- Provide resource when bereavement opportunities arise.
With these goals in mind, Child Life services include:
PEDIATRICS
On the Pediatric unit (5South), the children are seen each day by Child Life staff. Child Life provides patient education on procedures in terms children understand, diversional and relaxation techniques during invasive procedures and developmentally appropriate activities for patients and siblings.
NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU)
In the NICU (2South), the Child Life Specialist assesses the infants upon admission. Developmental assessments are continued throughout hospitalization until discharge. Any additional outside resource is also provided to the neonate’s family. Developmental information is provided to the parents and daily interventions are provided to the neonates, as tolerated.
WELL BABY NURSERY
In the well baby nursery (2South), the Child Life Specialist assesses the infants prior to discharge. During the consultation between the Child Life Specialist and family, developmental information is provided along with any additional outside resources.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
In the Emergency Department, Child Life is utilized on a consult basis. Child Life provided intervention during trauma situations.5.
RADIOLOGY
Child Life is utilized in the Radiology department as needed. The Child Life Specialist meets with the patient and family to explain the procedure. Child Life assists Radiologist and Anesthesiologist until patient is resting comfortably for the procedure.
BEREAVEMENT
Child Life services are provided for patient’s families who have experienced death from either illness or trauma. Services are also provided to children who may be visiting someone (parents, grandparent, etc.) who may be dying.
RESOURCE FOR STAFF
Child Life is a constant resource for staff on numerous topics. Child Life provides education for staff during monthly unit conferences.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Child Life participates in numerous speaking engagements, “Let’s Pretned Hospital,” March of Dimes WalkAmerica and the Birdies for Babies Golf Tournament.
REFERRAL
Child Life is always available to provide services requested by physician or nurse.
If you have any questions regarding Baptist Health’s Child Life Program or would like to speak to the Child Life Specialist, please call 334-286-3010.
Heather N. Talley, CCLS
Child Life Program
Baptist Medical Center South
2105 East South Boulevard
Montgomery, Alabama 36116
|
