Day in the Life of a Child Life Specialist

What does a Child Life Specialist do?

Sometimes stepping into a health care setting is really scary for children. Even when it's not the hospital. Even when there's not anything scary coming. They don't know that, and their automatic response is fear.

Child Life Specialists help kids recognize their strengths, help them cope with stress and anxiety, and help them feel empowered during their stay.

Whether during a child’s outpatient visit or a hospital stay, Carilion Children’s Certified Child Life Specialists help patients and families promote the necessary strategies of coping through play, self-expressive activities, age-appropriate medical preparation and education.

Each of these processes are intentionally designed to help both the child and family gain a better understanding of the medical procedure, which will help reduce stress and fear of the unknown during a difficult time.

#childlifespecialist #carilionclinic #carilionchildrens

[akinolaoluwatobideborah]

I love that the video is concise and educative.
I recently finished from the university with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.
I aspire to become a child life specialist tooo. 🤭🤭

[kkstar]

I want this career so bad. I’m trying to renew my CNA 1 certification by retaking the state skill exam. Hopefully I pass this time. But my hurdle is that I have some learning challenges that make it harder for me to want to stay in school for a couple of years. I was at school yesterday practicing for my exam when my instructor said they have 24 hour tutor access. I was just like “”WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME THIS 11 YEARS EARLIER RIGHT AFTER I GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL?!!! That would’ve made a huge difference for me! I would have my career by now!!! So I’m thinking that I’ll talk to my job coach and see what we can do. I hope someday I’ll be able to reach that goal.