What is a hospital play specialist job?
A hospital play specialist job is a unique and rewarding career that involves working with children in a healthcare setting. Play specialists are trained professionals who use play and creative activities to help children cope with their hospital experience. They play a crucial role in ensuring that children feel safe, comfortable, and supported during their time in the hospital.
What do hospital play specialists usually do in this position?
In this position, hospital play specialists wear many hats and are responsible for a variety of tasks. They work closely with the healthcare team to assess the needs of each child and develop individualized play plans. These plans are designed to promote emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of normalcy for children in the hospital.
Hospital play specialists engage children in therapeutic play activities such as arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and games. They create a playful and supportive environment where children can express themselves, interact with others, and gain a sense of control over their situation. They also provide emotional support to children and their families, helping them navigate through difficult times and offering comfort and reassurance.
Additionally, hospital play specialists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to educate children about medical procedures and treatments in a child-friendly manner. They use play and visual aids to explain complex medical concepts and alleviate fears. They also work closely with children who have chronic illnesses or special needs, providing ongoing support and adapting play activities to meet their specific requirements.
Top 5 skills for a hospital play specialist position:
- 1. Strong communication skills: Hospital play specialists need to effectively communicate with children, families, and the healthcare team. They must be able to listen attentively, empathize, and explain complex information in a clear and age-appropriate manner.
- 2. Creativity: As play is the primary tool used by hospital play specialists, creativity is vital. They must be able to come up with innovative and engaging play activities that capture children's interests and promote their well-being.
- 3. Patience and flexibility: Working with children in a healthcare setting can be challenging, and hospital play specialists need to remain patient and adaptable. They must be able to adjust their approach based on the individual needs and preferences of each child.
- 4. Empathy and compassion: Hospital play specialists work with children who may be experiencing fear, pain, or uncertainty. It is essential for them to show empathy and compassion, providing a supportive and caring environment for children and their families.
- 5. Teamwork: Hospital play specialists collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and child life specialists. They must be able to work well in a team, effectively communicate, and contribute their expertise to provide the best possible care for children.
How to become a hospital play specialist?
Becoming a hospital play specialist requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Here are the steps to pursue a career in this field:
1. Obtain a relevant degree: Many hospitals and healthcare facilities require a bachelor's degree in child life, child development, psychology, or a related field. This educational background provides a solid foundation in child development, therapeutic play, and healthcare practices.
2. Gain practical experience: It is important to gain hands-on experience working with children in healthcare or related settings. This can be achieved through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Practical experience allows individuals to develop the necessary skills and understand the unique challenges of working with children in a hospital environment.
3. Obtain certification: While not always mandatory, obtaining certification as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) can enhance job prospects and demonstrate a high level of competence in the field. Certification requirements typically include a bachelor's degree, relevant coursework, a supervised internship, and passing a certification exam.
4. Continuously expand knowledge and skills: The field of hospital play specialist jobs is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and best practices. Continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences can help professionals expand their knowledge and improve their skills.
5. Apply for positions: Once the necessary education, training, and experience are obtained, individuals can start applying for hospital play specialist positions. Networking, reaching out to child life departments, and utilizing online job boards can help in finding job opportunities in hospitals, pediatric clinics, and other healthcare settings.
Average salary of a hospital play specialist:
The salary of a hospital play specialist can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the employing institution. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for recreational therapists, which includes hospital play specialists, was $48,220 in May 2020. However, it is important to note that salaries may differ significantly based on the specific role, level of experience, and the region of employment.
Roles and types of hospital play specialists:
Hospital play specialists can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, pediatric clinics, and rehabilitation centers. They may have different job titles based on the institution and the specific responsibilities assigned to them. Some common roles and types of hospital play specialists include:
1. Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS): These specialists are certified professionals who have completed the necessary education, training, and certification requirements. They work closely with children to provide therapeutic play interventions, emotional support, and education about medical procedures.
2. Pediatric Oncology Play Specialist: These specialists focus specifically on supporting children undergoing cancer treatment. They play a crucial role in helping children cope with the challenges of cancer and its treatments, providing emotional support, and facilitating play activities that promote healing and well-being.
3. Pediatric Rehabilitation Play Specialist: These specialists work with children who are undergoing rehabilitation due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They use play to help children regain physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities, working closely with the rehabilitation team to develop individualized treatment plans.
4. Preoperative Play Specialist: These specialists help children prepare for surgery by using play to explain medical procedures, reduce anxiety, and familiarize them with the hospital environment. They may demonstrate medical equipment using dolls or puppets and create play scenarios to address the child's concerns.
Locations with the most popular hospital play specialist jobs in the USA:
Hospital play specialist jobs can be found in various locations throughout the United States. However, some regions may have a higher demand for these professionals. Some of the locations known for having a significant number of hospital play specialist job opportunities include:
1. New York City, New York
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Chicago, Illinois
4. Boston, Massachusetts
5. Houston, Texas
These cities are home to renowned hospitals and healthcare institutions that often have dedicated child life departments and a need for hospital play specialists.
What are the typical tools used by hospital play specialists?
Hospital play specialists utilize a variety of tools to create a therapeutic and engaging environment for children. Some typical tools used in this role include:
1. Play therapy materials: Hospital play specialists use a wide range of play materials such as art supplies, toys, puzzles, and games to facilitate play-based interventions and activities.
2. Medical play kits: These kits contain child-friendly medical equipment, such as toy stethoscopes, syringes, and bandages. They allow children to play and familiarize themselves with medical procedures in a non-threatening and interactive way.
3. Books and storytelling props: Hospital play specialists often use books and storytelling to help children understand their medical condition, procedures, and emotions. They may incorporate puppets, dolls, or visual aids to make the stories more engaging and relatable.
4. Sensory materials: Sensory materials, such as play dough, stress balls, or tactile toys, are used to engage children's senses and provide a calming and therapeutic experience.
5. Technology: Hospital play specialists may utilize technology, such as tablets or interactive apps, to enhance play experiences and provide educational resources for children.
In conclusion
Hospital play specialist jobs are incredibly important for the emotional well-being and overall experience of children in healthcare settings. These professionals use play as a powerful tool to support children and families during challenging times. By creating a nurturing and playful environment, hospital play specialists help children cope with their hospital stay, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of normalcy. With the right education, training, and skills, individuals can embark on a fulfilling career as a hospital play specialist and make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families.