Jett Hoffman
Transitioning to the Child Life Profession
Via this semester of research, study plans, and spiritual confirmations I have developed a more perspicuous and passionate vision for my future. Increased inspiration and enthusiasm have filled my day to day routine as I gain a greater specificity of understanding and a deeper appreciation for the Child Life Profession. Discovering this field of work has enlightened my heart and mind in a unique and highly meaningful way. For some time I have been praying and seeking guidance as to which line of study would help me to best apply my own divinely given talents and abilities but it was only recently that I learned of my affinity for the career of a Child Life Specialist. Towards the end …show more content…
Child Life Specialists have typically worked as members of multidisciplinary teams in pediatric facilities. However in recent years they have been assisting patients in a wider range of settings including outpatient healthcare facilities, doctors' offices, hospice care, specialized camps, schools, court systems and funeral homes (Child Life Council, 2010). Obviously the day to day responsibilities will vary in accordance with the specific work environment, but overall the role of a child life specialist remains stable. It is to help infants, children, and youth cope with the stress, anxiety and grief that often accompany serious illness and death. This is accomplished through the clear instruction and assistance which Child Life Specialists offer to families who are currently in the physically and emotionally demanding process of caring for hospitalized or disabled children (Kuther & Morgan, 2013) This effective coping is encouraged by creating opportunities for normal play, personal preparation/interaction, age appropriate education on medical procedures/ the human body, and activities that promote free expression. They must also keep detailed records of the progress of each of case and work as a functioning team member as all contribute to possible …show more content…
However it will be far more important to have connections outside of the world of academia than simply within the borders of campus. For this reason it will be vital to seek advice from Debbie Hema who would be an excellent mentor for transitioning from the role of a student to a professional as she an alumni resource for those interested in Child Life. She graduated in 2005 with a degree from the School of Family Life and currently works as a Child Life Specialist at Intermountain Heath. Not only is she involved in my desired career but she recently made the same transition from the university to the work place and is familiar with the process and is open to helping students successfully do the same(Child Life Specialist, 2013). In addition to seeking the association of a mentor, I will need to start applying for jobs well before graduation, in order to make a successful transition to the work force without delays. This can be done through brigde.byu.edu which is a website designed to partner graduates from Brigham Young University with employers across the nation. This reduces the competition for jobs from all graduates across the country to only fellow graduates at BYU (Christensen, 2015). Internships will also provide opportunities for a smooth transition as I would be already be familiar with the staff team and
Transitioning to the Child Life Profession
Via this semester of research, study plans, and spiritual confirmations I have developed a more perspicuous and passionate vision for my future. Increased inspiration and enthusiasm have filled my day to day routine as I gain a greater specificity of understanding and a deeper appreciation for the Child Life Profession. Discovering this field of work has enlightened my heart and mind in a unique and highly meaningful way. For some time I have been praying and seeking guidance as to which line of study would help me to best apply my own divinely given talents and abilities but it was only recently that I learned of my affinity for the career of a Child Life Specialist. Towards the end …show more content…
Child Life Specialists have typically worked as members of multidisciplinary teams in pediatric facilities. However in recent years they have been assisting patients in a wider range of settings including outpatient healthcare facilities, doctors' offices, hospice care, specialized camps, schools, court systems and funeral homes (Child Life Council, 2010). Obviously the day to day responsibilities will vary in accordance with the specific work environment, but overall the role of a child life specialist remains stable. It is to help infants, children, and youth cope with the stress, anxiety and grief that often accompany serious illness and death. This is accomplished through the clear instruction and assistance which Child Life Specialists offer to families who are currently in the physically and emotionally demanding process of caring for hospitalized or disabled children (Kuther & Morgan, 2013) This effective coping is encouraged by creating opportunities for normal play, personal preparation/interaction, age appropriate education on medical procedures/ the human body, and activities that promote free expression. They must also keep detailed records of the progress of each of case and work as a functioning team member as all contribute to possible …show more content…
However it will be far more important to have connections outside of the world of academia than simply within the borders of campus. For this reason it will be vital to seek advice from Debbie Hema who would be an excellent mentor for transitioning from the role of a student to a professional as she an alumni resource for those interested in Child Life. She graduated in 2005 with a degree from the School of Family Life and currently works as a Child Life Specialist at Intermountain Heath. Not only is she involved in my desired career but she recently made the same transition from the university to the work place and is familiar with the process and is open to helping students successfully do the same(Child Life Specialist, 2013). In addition to seeking the association of a mentor, I will need to start applying for jobs well before graduation, in order to make a successful transition to the work force without delays. This can be done through brigde.byu.edu which is a website designed to partner graduates from Brigham Young University with employers across the nation. This reduces the competition for jobs from all graduates across the country to only fellow graduates at BYU (Christensen, 2015). Internships will also provide opportunities for a smooth transition as I would be already be familiar with the staff team and