Clinical Experience
Below, you will find additional information on the experiences I've had with hospitalized children and families under the supervision of Certified Child Life Specialists. These experiences span across several states and take place in both children's and community hospitals.
Child Life Intern
Marshfield Children's Hospital
I completed my 600-hour clinical internship at Marshfield Children's Hospital, which consisted of both an outpatient and inpatient rotation. During my outpatient rotation, I observed and provided services across various outpatient clinics, including Radiology, Hematology Oncology, Orthopedics, Sedation Services, and Gastroenterology. Here, I was able to gain and refine skills in assessment, prioritization, preparation, and procedural support under the supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. My inpatient rotation consisted of providing support in the Surgery Center, General Pediatrics Unit, and Pediatric ICU in addition to consult-based services in the Neonatal ICU and Emergency Department. This rotation allowed me to provide therapeutic interventions to meet the needs of children and families in a variety of settings.
Throughout my internship, I assisted in planning and implementing virtual and in-person events and activities, such as Christmas in July and a grief support camp. I also completed weekly journals, developmental assessments, and case studies.
Describe your image
I facilitated a medical play session where the patient chose to place, access, and de-access a bottle cap "port" on a teddy bear, assuming the role of the doctor.
I created this medical mystery box to familiarize and desensitize medical equipment, as patients were able to explore the individualized contents in a playful context as they guessed what was inside of the box.
Describe your image
Related Competencies: I.A I.B, I.C, I.D, I.E, I.F, II.A, II.B, II.C, III.A, III.B, IV., V.A, V.B
Child Life Practicum
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
I completed a 100-hour child life practicum at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Here, I completed readings and assignments in addition to meeting virtually with Certified Child Life Specialists each week to cover topics such as assessment and prioritization, medical play, procedural preparation and support, bereavement support, and patient- and family-centered care. I also shadowed Certified Child Life Specialists in the following units: Neonatal ICU, Pediatric ICU, Outpatient Oncology, Inpatient Rehabilitation, and Gastrointestinal & Endocrinology Services.
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My practicum occurred in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing me insight to and experience with adapting programming to continue to meet the needs of hospitalized children and families. Here, I was able to complete tele-play sessions with patients in addition to creating content for the hospital's closed-circuit television.
Related Competencies: I.A, I.C, I.F, II.A, II.B, III.A
Child Life Volunteer
Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
As an undergraduate, I spent one year volunteering in the surgery department at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, I used play to build rapport with patients and siblings and to assist in normalizing the hospital environment. I provided developmentally appropriate toys and activities to entertain and engage children in the surgery waiting room. I also worked with Certified Child Life Specialists to ensure all toys, games, and activities were properly organized and sanitized. In addition to volunteering in the hospital, I was able to spend a day assisting with the hospital's annual Diabetes Day.
Related Competencies: I.C, I.D, I.E, II.A, II.B, III.A