Elizabeth Eases Fears as Child Life Specialist

In Her Own Words

I have been a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) for almost 18 years and have worked in both the inpatient units and the NICU. I enjoy working with all ages, literally tiny infants to adult-size teenagers, but my favorite age by far is infants and toddlers. I work with kids of all ages in my current role as one of the CCLS in Radiology. I spend my days preparing and supporting kids and families for various procedures and tests, such as IV placements, MRIs & CT scans, breathing laughing gas, and going to sleep with sleepy medicine (aka sedation). I enjoy reducing both the kids' and families' anxiety by clearing up misconceptions, clarifying what their experience here will be, and preparing them for said experience. For example, I frequently encounter families who are anxious about an IV placement. I can have a conversation with them about what an IV straw is while showing them the actual straw, discuss the numbing cream a nurse has applied, and how this will help minimize their pain during the IV start. As part of the team, I assist with planning how best to position the patient so they are comfortable & cope well with their IV but also allow the team to have a successful IV placement. Most of our kids, especially our younger ones, cope beautifully sitting in a caregiver's lap! I also enjoy being part of the team in radiology. Made up of radiology techs, sedation nurses, and doctors, we work as a team to provide well-rounded patient care. I firmly believe that I could not succeed as a radiology CCLS without them. 

I have three kids at home, ages 3, 5 & 7, and I love spending time with them when I am not at work. I also enjoy quilting (it's not the older lady hobby you think!), baking, hanging out with my awesome friends, and reading/listening to audiobooks & podcasts.

-- Elizabeth