Fluent in \u201ckid speak,\u201d including all the latest video games, TV shows and pop culture, the Child Life team uses words and tools that make sense to children to support conversations about fears, medical equipment and hospital procedures. They explain what\u2019s going to happen in surgery or during treatment, in an age-appropriate way, while simultaneously holding space in case silliness or laughter strikes.<\/p>\n
More than just a comforting presence, child life specialists represent wraparound emotional support that increases understanding and decreases misconceptions about health care. They ensure that kids have room to continue being kids, despite the fear and uncertainty of life-threatening illness, injury and treatments \u2014 and that no child faces any part of their medical journey alone.<\/p>\n
These feelings of isolation aren\u2019t limited to patients. Siblings often feel left out, when in reality they have a vital role in the healing process. Kristen Bishop, senior child life specialist in the Mary Bridge Children\u2019s Hematology\/Oncology Clinic, sees this regularly and works with patients’ siblings to ensure they understand the situation and where they can go for answers or support.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s scary when a brother or sister is sick,\u201d she says. \u201cWe recognize that the experience of a sibling truly is unique. We want them to feel included and hope they feel connected to their family, even when they\u2019re apart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Encouraging self-expression, personalizing care<\/strong><\/h2>\nJulie Hertzog, child life manager, knows she can count on her team to keep the child\u2019s voice in the conversation and care plan. Each child life specialist partners closely with doctors, nurses, social workers and families to make sure a child\u2019s emotional and developmental needs are met.<\/p>\n
Today that might involve decorating a matching cast for stuffed animals. Tomorrow it might mean discussing an alternative medication with a schedule more amenable to summer camp. By personalizing care, Child Life helps children feel seen, understood and in better control of whatever they\u2019re going through.<\/p>\n
Celebrating 45 years of Child Life at Mary Bridge<\/h2>\n
March is Child Life Month, marking 45 years of this donor-supported program. In honor of the difference they make, we passed the mic to our Child Life department to reflect on their advocacy and care.<\/p>\n
Kendall Baker ![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2018\/03\/Kendall-Baker-200x300.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cIn the hospital, every team member is an expert in something. Doctors are experts in medicine; social workers are experts in resources; nurses are experts in bedside care; and parents are experts in their children. As a child life specialist, I have the opportunity to empower parents and caregivers to voice their concerns, be involved in care plans and advocate for what they think is best for their child. The hospital can be a new and unknown place for both patients and parents, and I aim to provide clarity in the ways that parents can still provide the comfort and support to their child that they typically would at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kristen Bishop\u00a0 ![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2018\/03\/Kristen-Bishop-200x300.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cParents and caregivers are essential partners in the work we do. Their insight, knowledge, perspective and previous experiences help us create a collaborative plan of care to best support both the child and family in that moment. Sometimes parents can feel lost or unsure of their role in a procedure. We want to be sure they can be the closest person to their child, providing comfort and care in the midst of distress. The partnership we have can create positive experiences and help empower parents to advocate for their child at future visits or appointments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jennifer Cazares<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cOn my most challenging days, I find solace in taking a moment to recenter myself. I reflect on the deep honor and privilege it is to be allowed into the lives of patients, witnessing their stories, joy moments and struggles. This perspective brings me compassion and appreciation for the resilience of children. Engaging with children at their level, genuinely listening to how they perceive their world and collaboratively exploring the challenges, fears and thrills they experience is an incredible journey!\u201d<\/p>\n
Valerie Chance<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cI work in the surgery department at Mary Bridge hospital and help patients and families feel comfortable and prepared before they head to the OR (operating room). One thing I really enjoy is getting to partner with the parents and discovering the one thing that makes their child unique \u2014 corny jokes, dinosaurs, you name it! Whatever it might be, it can make a huge difference! The OR nurses love having a subject or topic to discuss with their patient, and the parents appreciate staff taking an interest.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cIn the hospital, every team member is an expert in something. Doctors are experts in medicine; social workers are experts in resources; nurses are experts in bedside care; and parents are experts in their children. As a child life specialist, I have the opportunity to empower parents and caregivers to voice their concerns, be involved in care plans and advocate for what they think is best for their child. The hospital can be a new and unknown place for both patients and parents, and I aim to provide clarity in the ways that parents can still provide the comfort and support to their child that they typically would at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kristen Bishop\u00a0 \u201cParents and caregivers are essential partners in the work we do. Their insight, knowledge, perspective and previous experiences help us create a collaborative plan of care to best support both the child and family in that moment. Sometimes parents can feel lost or unsure of their role in a procedure. We want to be sure they can be the closest person to their child, providing comfort and care in the midst of distress. The partnership we have can create positive experiences and help empower parents to advocate for their child at future visits or appointments.\u201d<\/p>\n Jennifer Cazares<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOn my most challenging days, I find solace in taking a moment to recenter myself. I reflect on the deep honor and privilege it is to be allowed into the lives of patients, witnessing their stories, joy moments and struggles. This perspective brings me compassion and appreciation for the resilience of children. Engaging with children at their level, genuinely listening to how they perceive their world and collaboratively exploring the challenges, fears and thrills they experience is an incredible journey!\u201d<\/p>\n Valerie Chance<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI work in the surgery department at Mary Bridge hospital and help patients and families feel comfortable and prepared before they head to the OR (operating room). One thing I really enjoy is getting to partner with the parents and discovering the one thing that makes their child unique \u2014 corny jokes, dinosaurs, you name it! Whatever it might be, it can make a huge difference! The OR nurses love having a subject or topic to discuss with their patient, and the parents appreciate staff taking an interest.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2018\/03\/Lou-Ann-League-225x300.jpg\")
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