Child Life Specialist - NICU

About the role

Job Summary Child life specialists support and nurture children and their families through the emotional and physical aspects of hospitalization. They work hand-in-hand with the medical team to provide the children and their families the support they need. Child Life Specialists work with pediatric patients and families throughout the facility, primarily focusing on the Pediatric Unit and Clinic, Neonatal Intensive Care , and Emergency Department. They educate and inform the families as to what is going on, and provide emotional support to the children as they go through tests and treatments. Although they do not provide medical care directly, they work with the children on their specific needs and stay with them throughout the entire process. Child life specialists provide as normal of an environment as possible in a inpatient or outpatient setting. They provide opportunities for the children to play, thrive, and grow in an abnormal and sometimes difficult environment. Child life specialists work to support children through difficult medical circumstances, both personal conditions, as well as conditions that affect their family members, and strive to provide some sense of normalcy. They are an extension of the medical staff and keep apprised of the condition and treatment regimen for the child, so they can keep the family informed and prepared. Essential Functions Uses correct terminology. Conforms to required style and format. Develops expected outcomes that provide direction for continuity of care. Involves patient/family and other disciplines to determine expected outcomes. Modifies expected outcomes based on changes in the assessment of the patient. Includes the patient and others involved in the care in the evaluation process. Evaluates the plan in relation to patient responses and expected outcomes. Documents the results of the evaluation. Demonstrates technical skill in using equipment appropriate for role. Understands equipment operation. Maintains equipment in working order. Troubleshoots equipment problems. Uses technology to increase productivity. Adapts to new technology Appropriately observe and assess patient and family learning style, diagnostic understanding, and needs. Understand and utilize evidence-based practice concepts, including play, preparation and assessment. Obtain appropriate information needed to complete accurate assessment of patient and family entify appropriate child life plan and interventions, based on assessed patient priorities Provide developmentally appropriate explanations/teaching aimed at pre-operative and procedural preparation Use appropriate teaching aids and techniques to address knowledge and coping strategies. Provide activities and interventions to help children and families cope with medical situations and meet their developmental, emotional, and educational needs. Demonstrate proficiency in educating patient and family and in delineating appropriate sequential events Provide clear and concise chart documentation of interventions and emotional status of the patient, family, and/or sibling in a timely manner according to policy The Child Life Specialist is responsible for promoting the physical and psychosocial development of children. Ability and willingness to work with patients' growth and developmental needs particularly related to the age of patients. Ability to manage a chaot