St. Joseph's Children's Health Center (CHC) is committed to addressing the psychological, emotional and developmental needs of the children and young adults it serves. This involves the tireless work of a team of Child Life Specialists and Activity Assistants.
Since 1982, the CHC's Child Life Program has been helping children express their concerns and deal with fears that can surface during a hospital stay or clinic visit. The Child Life Specialist's role is to help reduce stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization, provide support to all members of the family, and facilitate continued growth and development in the child. They use a variety of methods and strategies to make pediatric patients as comfortable as possible. This can include age appropriate education about upcoming tests and procedures, coping and distraction techniques, and play activities to promote normal growth and development.
Support also extends to family members. The Program offers parents additional resources, educational materials and guidance. Services are also available to help siblings cope with having a hospitalized brother or sister.
It takes a dedicated and compassionate individual to help children acclimate to a difficult and fast-paced environment. The CHC's Child Life Specialists hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Child Development, Family Studies or a related field and are specially trained in the effects of hospitalization on children and their families. Activity Assistants play a crucial role by running the playroom and providing activities for patients at bedside. They generally have a minimum of 2 years of college and extensive experience working with children.
Child Life Specialists can be found throughout the hospital where children are served and are considered part of the trauma team for pediatric traumas.
The CHC's Child Life Program has the distinction of offering both inpatient and outpatient resources, ensuring that patient and family needs are met throughout the continuum of care.
Inpatient Child Life
Child Life Specialists staff the inpatient program, helping children and their families through difficult situations and become an integral part of a patient's experience. Child Life provides
- Age-appropriate education to help children understand what to expect before a procedure
- Medical play to encourage children to gain a sense of control while allowing them to express fears and calm anxieties
- Emotional support, coping techniques and distraction during procedures
- Play opportunities at the bedside or in the playroom
- Diagnostic education and support for parents and siblings
- Special events to help promote normal routines (Birthday and holiday celebrations are held, along with visits from special guests such as players from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns.)
- Bereavement support for families and siblings of pediatric patients and young children of adult patients in the Intensive Care Units.
Outpatient Child Life
A Child Life program in the outpatient setting is unique and allows specialists to have on-going relationships with patients and their families. Specialists provide the same therapeutic care for patients as you would find inpatient, which includes preparation for surgeries, support through painful procedures, developmentally appropriate education about their diagnosis as well as normal play activities.
Internship
St. Joseph's Child Life program has an internship program, however applications are not being accepted until Fall 2010.
Children's Rehabilitative Services
At the Children's Rehabilitative Services (CRS) clinic, families have unique needs. It might be a patient's first time experiencing a surgery or their fifth. The Child Life Specialist prepares patients and their families for upcoming procedures, tests and/or surgery through the use of picture preparation books, teaching dolls and hands-on medical play as well as assistance with staying on task with their daily medications and treatment plans. If you would like more information about Child Life services at the CRS clinic, call 602-406-6437.
Tours
Tours of the hospital are available 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and last approximately 30 minutes. Please call Amy Lowry at 602-406-6940 to schedule a tour.
Schooling Assistance
The CHC also provides a hospital teacher to address educational needs and concerns. The teacher helps transition patients back into the school environment.
