Certified Child Life Specialist at Baystate Children’s Hospital
“Connect-123 Child Life Practicum allowed me to gain experiences and build confidence when working with pediatric patients and their families.”
Program Year: 2021
Where are you now in your career or studies?
Right now, I am a Certified Child Life Specialist at Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield Massachusetts. I primarily cover the Pediatric Procedure Unit where I prepare patients and their families for several procedures under anesthesia/sedation such as endoscopies, colonoscopies, dental rehab, BAERs, PICC line placements, LPs/BM, etc. I additionally cover patients in our Outpatient Pedi Hematology & Oncology clinic and Emergency Department when needed!
What specific skills or experiences from your practicum do you still use today?
During my practicum, I learned how to assess patients and their families’ needs and meet them where they are at during their hospitalization. I use these skills everyday when preparing and supporting my own patients.
How did your career path evolve after your Connect-123 practicum? Did it influence your direction?
After my Connect-123 practicum, I was able to get a job similar to a Child Life Assistant in a children’s hospital. During this time, I applied and completed my child life internship at Baystate - where I work now!
Looking back, what do you see as the biggest way Connect-123 shaped your career or life?
Connect-123 Child Life Practicum allowed me to gain experiences and build confidence when working with pediatric patients and their families. As there were limited supplies/toys, this made me be more creative in the ways I supported and played with patients and siblings.
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