Full Answer
What is the job description of a child life specialist?
What does a child life specialist do?
- Scope of practice. Work for a child life specialist changes daily and allows for a lot of creativity in developing coping plans.
- Specializations. Depending on the size of the organization they work in, child life specialists may work with a broad range of patients, or they may work in a particular department ...
- Work environment. ...
How child life specialists can help your child?
- Education for children and teens on a new diagnosis, providing age-appropriate information about the adult’s illness and treatment
- Adjustment of children and teens to changes in physical appearance and/or abilities of the adult patient
- Preparation of children and teens for visiting a hospitalized adult
What do child life specialists and what do they do?
Child life specialists work closely with children and families in medical settings, serving as emotional support and helping develop family coping strategies. With a background in child development, psychology and counseling, child life specialists help explain medical jargon to kids and prepare them for procedures.
How can a child life specialist help my child?
What is the importance of a Child Life Specialist?
Child life specialists help young patients develop ways to cope with the anxiety, fear and separation that often accompany the hospital experience. They give special consideration to each child's family, culture and stage of development.
What qualities should a Child Life Specialist have?
Personal QualitiesSensitivity.Ability to listen and work closely with adults and children.Self-awareness.Creative expression.Spontaneity.Independence.Flexibility.
What is it like being a Child Life Specialist?
Generally, Child Life Specialists work from 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. for a total of 40 hours a week. There are some exceptions if, for example, a unit has a high volume of patients in the early morning such as a surgery position then typically the specialist would have earlier hours.
What is the role of the Child Life Specialist in pediatric nursing?
Child life specialists work closely with children and families in medical settings, serving as emotional support and helping develop family coping strategies. With a background in child development, psychology and counseling, child life specialists help explain medical jargon to kids and prepare them for procedures.
What is the job outlook for a child life specialist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of child, family and school social workers, which is the category child life specialists falls under, is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030. This is due to the need to assist parents to maximize the well-being of their children.
What is the best degree for child life specialist?
Child life specialists have at least a bachelor's degree in child life, child psychology, or another closely related field to human development. Some people may choose to pursue their education further, getting a master's of science degree in child life studies or a closely related field.
How do I become a child life specialist in California?
To become certified, a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a related field is required. In 2019 a master's degrees in Child Life will be required for certification. Click here for a list of recommended curriculum.
Where do child life specialists make the most money?
Child Life Specialists make the most in San Francisco, CA at $74,832, averaging total compensation 44% greater than the US average.
What is a child life intervention?
The checklist included the Child Life interventions, which are grouped into 6 different categories of Child Life activities: medical play, developmentally appropriate recreational play, therapeutic activities, health education, coping/coaching support, and procedural support.
How does a child life specialist address the developmental needs of patients and families?
Addressing Developmental Needs Building an emotionally supportive environment for the patient. Helping prepare the patient for tests, surgeries, and other procedures. Coordinating special events and activities for patients and their families. Helping siblings understand and cope with the patient's hospitalization.