Child life specialists offer support to pediatric patients and their families

Although an energized momentum is building, many are unfamiliar with WVU Children's Hospital's child life specialists or what they do. Yet, right here at WVU Children’s at Ruby Memorial Hospital, hundreds of pediatric patients and their families receive support from certified child life specialists. These professionals specialize in child development and hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Many have pursued the rigorous process administered by the Child Life Council, to obtain their Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.

Family-centered care is the backbone of this discipline’s practice philosophy. Certified child life specialists are equipped with professional skills and expertise that eases the fears and anxiety pediatric patients and their families experience in the healthcare setting. They conduct psychological preparation for medical procedures by offering developmentally appropriate explanations, planning and practicing coping skills, engaging children in play activities with therapeutic and diversionary objectives, and supporting legacy building activities for bereaved families. Certified child life specialists also support the global family system by offering psychosocial support, education and resources to parents, siblings and the extended family.

These specialists serve in a variety of healthcare environments and are viewed as an integral part of the medical treatment team. At Ruby Memorial, certified child life specialists are members of the Pediatric Supportive Care team and provide services in General Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Maternal Infant Care Unit and in several outpatient areas including, EEG, MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine and Children’s Hospital Infusion Center. They have recently partnered with the Adult Supportive Care team to support the children of adult patients.

Child life programs range in size, from one-person programs, to departments with 25 child life specialists or more. The WVU Children’s Hospital Child Life program recently has experienced program re-development and expansion. Currently, there are two certified child life specialists, with a third to be added soon. The staff also includes a child life assistant, with a second to be hired. 

The Child Life Council recognizes March as Child Life Month. WVU Children's Hospital Certified Child Life Specialists Bridget Radmer and Rachel Delevett, pictured, as well as Child Life Assistant Laura Bushey will celebrate with the theme, "Oh, the Places You Will Go with Child Life." Activities will include an ice cream social for patients and families, breakfast for Children's Hospital staff, trivia contest with prizes and posters showcasing the child life practice. Comfort kits will also be distributed to various departments throughout Ruby.

For more information, contact the Child Life staff at 304-598-4365 or email radmerb@wvuhealthcare.com or delevettr@wvuhealthcare.com.