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If you have ever pondered what the woman with the bubbles is doing in room 5 or wondered why there is someone with your patient that is explaining their upcoming procedure, this is the article for you! Before I became a second career nurse, I was a Child Life Specialist (CLS). It was an amazing opportunity to work with patients and help them cope with the aspects of the hospital. I was inspired by the nurses to come over to the nursing world. However, I still use those valuable lessons and skills I learned in child life in my nursing practice each shift. You may be wondering what Child Life Specialists are. They are healthcare professionals that help patients and their families cope with their medical experience. They support patients and help them understand their medical condition and hospital procedures. They have a minimum bachelor's degree, and several obtain a master's degree, usually in child development, education or psychology. They also must complete a 600-hour internship under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist. They also complete several working or volunteer hours in various settings, such as schools, university child labs, or daycares, before graduation. After completing training and academic requirements, they will be eligible to sit for the Child Life Specialist certification. The training provides opportunities to develop an understanding of child development, medical terminology, procedures, coping techniques, and communication skills. Child Life Specialists have the skills to teach patients at their cognitive and developmental levels. They can also make learning and the hospital experience less intimidating ... and maybe even fun. One of the goals is to teach coping skills to deal with what the patient is facing. They take the time to break down what the child might experience through teaching, preparation, education, play, and self-expression activities. Providing developmentally appropriate information can reduce the patient's fears because, many times, patients develop anxiety because of the unknown or misconceptions. Medical play helps patients because they get to interact with medical materials and be in control of the situation, which increases the patient's comfort level. The CLS will bring in materials that the patient can interact with and ask questions. The materials are safe for children, e.g., no needles. They may be able to hold a syringe and squirt water on paper, interact with suture materials or pick out their own mask they will use to fall asleep in surgery. Many times, control is taken away from the patient, so it is beneficial to give patients opportunities to have control and make choices when appropriate. Child Life Specialists might help distract patients during procedures. Guided imagery, distraction, and relaxation exercises are common practices. The CLS will be in the procedure with the patient to support them. They typically assist in imaging, emergency room, bedside procedures, and even taking patients to surgery. If they have permission to go there, they want to be there to support the patient. They also provide family-centered care and help them cope with a loved in in the hospital. They offer sibling support through teaching, play and support groups. Many professionals also provide bereavement teaching and comfort for families. Families have an opportunity to work through feelings, ask questions and feel heard. One of the goals of Child Life Specialists is to normalize the environment. This includes providing fun activities for the patients while they are in the hospital. This includes toys, games, craft projects, and organizing special visitors and events. They may even be in charge of the prizes given to patients or receiving donations. It is a benefit to the patient to just feel like a kid in an intimidating environment. Child Life Specialists collaborate with the healthcare team to provide the best outcomes for the patients. They want you to reach out and work together. They do their best to be proactive and learn about potential procedures or issues that might happen during the shift. However, they have the whole unit or hospital to assist, so providing them with updates on your patients is very helpful. It may be as simple as telling them room 3 is getting an IV in 30 minutes when you see them in the hall (no need for a 2nd handoff report, keep it simple). This provides time to speak with the patient, prep, educate and be available to distract when it's time. It can be hard when it is busy, but it is definitely worth it to keep them in the loop. So, the next time you see a Child Life Specialist on your unit, say hi and introduce yourself. Don't hesitate to ask for their help and include them in your care. They are an important part of the healing process and can take time to educate or provide fun activities for your patient that you might not be able to do on a busy shift. We are in it together!

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see a child that states that she has abdominal pain. As an elementary school nurse, this can pose quite the challenge at times. Students come from a variety of backgrounds, educational and developmental stages, and health histories. It becomes increasingly more challenging when the student can't articulate the symptoms, remember onset, and when essentially, they are a poor medical historian. The constant flow does provide job security but often makes me ponder, "Is there a connection between abdominal pain and emotional issues"? Several children come to the clinic with abdominal pain or discomfort that, through nursing judgment, would be associated with illness. However, there are students that come in, either on a regular basis or during certain time periods, such as PE class. First, try to rule out any obvious illness or medical condition. It may be appropriate to then discuss potential emotional triggers. These may include family issues at home, friend or classmate relationship problems, or academic concerns. Some children become anxious when they are separated from their caregivers or have social anxiety. There are also children with generalized anxiety or certain fears, such as being afraid to speak in class. Anxiety can be unique to the individual. It can be a worry or a fear. This can cause students to become angry, disruptive in the classroom, withdrawn, or self-isolating. The student may be finding ways to escape the feeling of anxiety with the most comfortable actions available or socially acceptable at the time. This also raises the question as to whether students at the elementary school level understand what anxiety feels like. One of the most common chief complaints in the clinic involves a stomach issue. They will most likely point to the middle of their abdomen when asked where the pain is located. They may need to use the restroom. They may even express that they "just don't feel good." Some students do not have the vocabulary to express their feelings. They may not connect that something that makes them anxious makes their stomach feel different. Some students may too embarrassed or uncomfortable to discuss what is truly bothering them. Nonetheless, how can we help? Discuss Feelings Students may not be aware of the different emotions we as humans might feel. This is also an opportunity to have dialogue about emotions are normal and how they are feeling is appropriate for them. Some children might benefit from have visual representations of different emotions, such as a poster displaying different facial expressions one might have when experiencing a certain emotion. Explain what anxiety might feel like It could feel like "butterflies" in the stomach, having to have a bowel movement urgently, headache or simply "just not feeling right". It might also help to let students know that stomachaches don't always mean they are ill. However, the body is trying to tell them something and should be evaluated. Find an appropriate outlet to express the emotion This could be journaling, talking to a trusted adult, meditation, getting a drink, writing a note, asking to speak to a counselor, or having a signal with the teacher when a difficult emotion arises. Talk to the adults in the student's life This may include the teacher, guardians, social worker, behaviorist and administration. Work as a team to advocate for the student and find ways that student can be supported during the school day. Many students Spring back to class after water, rest, and even chatting for a bit. The clinic can serve as an oasis for students that just need to collect their thoughts and get a time out from whatever they interpret as stressful. Yes, there are always students that use this time to avoid doing work, but it is also important to keep in mind the root of the avoidance. FACT: We can help students identify emotions, develop coping skills and navigate their unique health needs. There is so much more than meets the eye.

Ndmiles, do you work in healthcare? What is your background? You can get your GPA for sure! I've heard great things about Straighterline.

They accepted a lot of my pre-reqs from Purdue so I got lucky. However, I took Micro and chemistry at Ivy Tech a few years ago. My Teas score was my first attempt. I have to admit that I studied for the Teas on and off for months before taking it. I have three kids and work full-time so I had to fit in studying while I could :) I'd say I studied about 3 months but not consistantly. I do use what I learned in the pre-req classes every day at work and appreciate that WGU honored that. I feel WGU is really geared for the second-degree learner. I haven't taken Pharmacology yet but will take it during the first 6 months. I so worried about that class! However, I work with RN's all the time and they have been helpful with tips!

I have a B.S. in child development that I received in 2001. My prereq's were all A's and 2 B's. I got an 80 on the Teas. I've worked in healthcare for six years. Have you taken the Teas yet?

HI! My experience thus far has been great. My counselor/advisor has been wonderful. He is so supportive and answers all my questions quickly. We have 12 in our cohort. I start orientation September 15th so I'll let you know how that goes :) I just talked to the financial aid person and she answered all my questions and will follow up with me the day I start orientation. My counselor went through the program step-by-step with me once I was admitted (intake interview) and it took about an hour but I really have a grasp on what the program will be like. I'm beyond excited to start. I know that I will have a lot of support from WGU. They really check in with you and I have never felt alone in the process. I think it's going to be a great experience. I'm so happy you are going to try for the May 2015 cohort. It will be well worth it! Do you work currently?

Any classmates yet? ?

I was just wondering if there was anyone in the Indiana October 2014 pre-license cohort. I just got accepted and couldn't be more excited! All the best!

Haha, love it!

Thank you so much for your advice! I will do that. PS, you probably rock at blood draws?

Hi Everyone! I am a PCT in a hospital as I attend nursing school. We are expected to do blood draws and would like to take a class to strengthen my skills. I have contacted Ivy Tech but they don't have a class available this fall (only the externship). Do you know of any classes I can take in Indianapolis? Thanks for your help :)

Hi everyone!! I have a major question for you and would really appreciate your advice.... I am just finishing up my chem class and our final is tomorrow (. Anyway our teacher has been displaying some really inappropriate behavior. Now, I have a B and have attended EVERY class and I know I am locked in to a B so my concerns are for the other classmates and future ones as well. Our teacher has been increasing rude and snappy to our class. She always comes 5-20min. late for class. (I should say that she is pregnant but doesn't give you the right to be mean, I have been pregnant myself). She always misgrades our papers and tests and it's up to the student to go see them and tell her about the mistake. She doesn't go back and change everyones, just the ones who pointed it out. She has also said she messes up on them bc she takes some kind of medication. She also doesn't go over any questions, she either won't answer them or gives us the wrong information. She NEVER explains the labs and gets angry when we don't get it. She has gone to other student's teachers and talked to them about how "lazy" the student is. I could go on forever but these are the highlights. I have not done anything yet bc I was afraid she would find out it was me and mess up my grade. Should I go the chem chair in person or write an annomous letter or something else Thank you for your help:heartbeat

OH, I wish I was a nursing student! I am still taking pre-req's However, I will remember that when I finally get there:rolleyes:

Thank you! I will try those out :)

Do you know which LTC facilities do? Thanks :)