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Waltham, Mass. -- Surgical procedures, needles and IVs are some of the painful images a child might have in mind before visiting a hospital for the first time. Not knowing what to expect from the visit and the thought of having to stay at the hospital overnight may cause children to become nervous or even afraid of receiving medical treatment. These fears and worries are invariably put at ease once the child meets the person whose job it is to help them cope with the anxiety, separation and change associated with a hospital visit: the child life specialist.
Dedicated to improving the healthcare experience for children and families, child life specialists bridge the gap between home and hospital to help ensure a smooth adjustment to the hospital environment. They serve as liaisons between doctors, nurses and patients, doing everything from supervising educational activities at the bedside to mentally preparing patients for medical procedures through theraputic play. In short, they help the patient and family with the emotional aspects of care, while making it possible for children to remain children during hospitalization and times of crisis.
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