Children who are in the hospital are cared for by many people, including doctors, nurses and Child Life Specialists.
Child Life Specialists and Child Life Assistants play a crucial role in supporting young patients and their families by helping them cope with and adjust to the stresses of being in a hospital.
A tour of an operating room or a chance to fingerpaint in the playroom are just two examples of what Child Life Programs, such as the one at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children, offer children. The program strives to allow children to have fun and feel comfortable.
It also prepares children for the medical procedures they may face. The staff aims to make life as normal as possible for the children while at the same time offering emotional support.
Therapeutic medical play allows children to play the role of doctor or nurse and administer the same tests and procedures they've experienced or will experience on a doll. Children can pretend to draw blood, start an IV or listen to the heartbeat on the doll.
This helps young patients understand what is happening to them and encourages them to ask questions and express their feelings.
Being in the hospital can be frightening for a child. Child Life Specialists are there to help make it a more positive experience.
|
Email this Page
Print this Page © 2008 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene
Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 1.800.492.5538 TDD: 1.800.735.2258
Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111
