March is Child Life Month

Medical settings like clinics, hospitals and laboratories can be scary for children and adolescents. Fortunately, Shannon’s Child Life program is uniquely equipped to provide comfort and guidance for young patients and their families.

Child Life Specialist Elizabeth Bailey BSN, MS, RN, NPD-BC, CCLS, and Child Life Activity Coordinator Hannah Hernandez wear many hats at Shannon. Child Life assists infants, children, teens and their families in coping with the stress of the healthcare setting, trauma, and illness by providing developmentally appropriate interventions like education, play, emotional support and self-expression opportunities.

“A child’s wellbeing often depends on the support of their family and caregivers,” said Elizabeth. “We work to equip our staff and parents of patients with the knowledge of how to best help our younger patients. Our ultimate goal is to improve the support we provide for children and their families throughout their healthcare experience.”

Elizabeth and Hannah focus not only on the Pediatric inpatient unit at Shannon Women’s and Children’s Hospital, but in other areas of the hospital where children are treated (Radiology, Lab, Same Day Surgery, the Emergency Department, and Clinics) to identify what kinds of distractions, support items, pain management, educational material and play items are beneficial. They also provide additional, specialized training for Team Members who may interact with pediatric patients regularly.

“The most important piece we need to remember is that children process information very differently than adults,” Elizabeth explained. “If you tell a child it’s the last time they will receive a shot today, and then they require another one, it’s more upsetting to them than an adult. Therefore, we want to provide education to children, staff and parents on an age-appropriate level.”

“You have to understand the holistic approach to healing – the spirit, emotions, mind and body are all connected, and you have to treat all those things in order to become a health, whole human to reach your potential. Child Life practices address those essential areas, not just for children, but for their parents as well,” Elizabeth said.

For more information on Child Life Services at Shannon, please visit https://www.shannonhealth.com/services/pediatrics/child-life/.