In a recent series of Special People interviews I was grateful and honored to talk to a Child Life Specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Heidi is one of many individuals whose career is dedicated to listening to the patient and family needs, fears, and understanding of what anyone may encounter while their child is a patient at this hospital.
If you’re like me, then you had no idea that this occupation existed. I was humbled with the shear immense responsibility that her job entailed. Heidi and her co-team of Child Life Specialists directly consult with the parents of patients to find out how comfortable they are with informing their children, including their child-patient, with discussing treatments, illness or surgeries.
As you can see in my video of me talking with Heidi, I was struck with the compassion of this young woman concerning the care of patients. She admitted to me that it is sometimes the parents protecting their children that may keep the patient in anxiety; and that one way to lift some fear is to be able to explain to the child, on their level of understanding, what is going on with their bodies and how the doctors are going to help them.
Heidi’s own family back round was in the medical profession and she was certain that she was going to follow her family’s footstep but then her aversion to blood and needles got it the way. When she switched to child psychology, her adviser told her about the field of “Child Life,” she was illuminated with excitement that she could blend her interest in the medical profession while dealing directly with the patients.
Child Life Specialist utilize tools such as developmentally appropriate language, books and teaching materials to help prepare children for procedures such as medical imaging exams. They engage in “medical play” with children using specially adapted dolls, aw well as real and pretend medical equipment. And they offer techniques in relaxation and they even help council the siblings of patients.
I hope you’ll watch my interview with Heidi. Just like I said to her in the video, she’s an angel.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCiBlXQx6-Y[/youtube]
To find out more about the occupation of Child Life Specialist, go to www.LurieChildrens.org
