To assure that the psychosocial needs of infants, children, youth and families are addressed to allow for the best use of hospital resources to attain the optimal level of functioning. Provides developmentally appropriate play, offers informative and reassuring psychological preparation prior to/during procedures, provides therapeutic and medical play to support positive coping skills and increase compliance, offers diagnosis teaching play to supplement medical education provided by the healthcare team, and offers support to family members. To serve children in the acute, surgical, ambulatory, or emergency settings, as well as children of critically ill adults.
STATUS: Full Time
LOCATION: Rochester General Hospital
DEPARTMENT: All units with pediatric patients
SCHEDULE: Day/Evening Rotation, Rotating Sundays
RESPONSIBILITIES
Identifies and prioritizes psychosocial needs of patients and families, and develops appropriate treatment plans, in multiple clinical areas.
Minimizes anxiety and stress experienced by infants, children, youth and families in medical settings.
Provides normalization play to facilitate positive coping for pediatric patients.
Provides activities for pediatric patients around holidays, birthdays, and other special events.
Educates and supports parents/caregivers, encourages their participation in the treatment plan. Advocates, as needed, for patients and families.
Provides diagnosis teaching play to supplement medical teaching by healthcare team.
Uses medical play to promote the pediatric patient’s comfort and confidence with medical equipment, members of the healthcare team, treatments, and hospital practices through hands-on exploration of medical equipment and developmentally appropriate explanations of their use.
Uses therapeutic play to promote the pediatric patient’s safe and appropriate expression of emotions during their hospital visit, to optimize positive coping and compliance with medical treatment.
Rochester General Health System is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran
ATTRIBUTES
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in child life or child development-related field.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Certified Child Life Specialist (or eligible within one year of hire)
Internal Number: 101890
About Rochester Regional Health
At Rochester Regional Health, our unwavering focus on our patients means that every day our employees have a real opportunity to shape the future of healthcare – for our community and for our health system. When you join us, you’ll have the full support of a dynamic, innovative healthcare system that partners with you to make your professional and personal growth possible. After all, you’ll be caring for our patients – so it’s only right we care for you and your career.
