Mar 5, 2020 The Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital Recognizes Child Life Month

Child Life Specialists at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Center New Brunswick, March 5, 2020 -- In recognition of March’s designation as Child Life Month, The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital (BMSCH) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital invites the public to learn more about the role of Child Life specialists at BMSCH.

Child Life specialists are trained professionals with expertise in helping children and their families overcome life’s most challenging events.

Armed with a strong background in child development and family systems, child life specialists promote effective coping through play, preparation, education, and self-expression activities. They provide emotional support for families, and encourage optimum development of children facing a broad range of challenging experiences, particularly those related to health care and hospitalization.

Because they understand that a child’s well-being depends on the support of the family, Child Life specialists provide information, support and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. They also play a vital role in educating caregivers, administrators, and the general public about the needs of children under stress.

The Child Life Program is available to assist patients and families in making the hospital experience a positive one, by helping with the overall adjustment to hospitalization, illness or injury and treatment.

BMSCH’s team of Child Life specialists is specially trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful health care experiences.

Specialists provide developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions that support growth and development, recognize family strengths and individuality, and respect different methods of coping.

The Child Life Program provides:

  • Age-appropriate preparation for surgery, medical procedures, tests, and treatments
  • Hands-on learning experiences to teach children and siblings about all aspects of hospitalization
  • Therapeutic art and recreational sessions in the activity centers and at the bedside
  • Activities to help “normalize” the hospital stay, including play, special events, holiday celebrations, and parties
  • Emotional support to help patients and family members minimize the stress that often surrounds hospitalization
  • Guided imagery, relaxation, and distraction sessions
  • Community outreach programs for preschool through high school students

Contact:

Peter Haigney
RWJUH Public Relations
(732) 937-8568