Family Health Magazine - Fall/Winter 2006 - Saint Barnabas Medical Center

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Family Health Magazine - Fall/Winter 2006

B R I G H T E N I N G THE LIVES of hospitalized Children

“The children immediately smile and laugh and ask if they can hold the leash or give the dogs a treat,” says Stephanie Scinto, BA, CCLS, Child Life Specialist at Saint Barnabas. “The dogs give them something to talk about and provide a distraction from the other aspects of the hospital.”

Child Life specialists aim to minimize trauma associated with pediatric illness and hospitalization. The clinically trained staff provides emotional and social support to patients and families during hospitalization. The Child Life Department addresses the unique emotional and developmental needs of hospitalized children in a language they can understand.

The Child Life staff, which is supported by the John La Conti, M.D. Fund, sees patients on the inpatient Pediatric Unit, the Burn Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Valerie Center for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders and all ambulatory care centers. Special programs in music, art and pet therapy are offered weekly on the inpatient unit.

Other programs include jewelry making through The Portable Playhouse, artistic expression and drawing technique instruction with Kids Art, ongoing art therapy and music therapy, and clown therapy provided by Hugga Me the Clown. The McMullen Children's Center at Saint Barnabas has both a children’s playroom and a teen room with a large screen television and other activities.

In addition, Child Life publishes a biannual in-house newsletter, called Through Our Eyes, that contains articles and artwork created by pediatric patients.

“Children really enjoy having their work appear in the newsletter,” says Beth Smalley, LCAT, ATR-BC, Art Therapist, who just published the newest issue in color.

Special Child Life Program arrangements, such as school visits, can be made by calling (973) 322-8350. Child Life also offers tours to children who are anticipating a hospitalization through the Pre-Op Program. In the summer, Child Life offers Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!, a free Teddy Bear Clinic for children between 4 and 8. Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animals to learn about procedures and become comfortable visiting a hospital.

Arrangements are made through the Community Health Services Department at (973) 322-4331.

Excerpts from “Through My Eyes”

Facing My Greatest Fears
by Peri Meyers, former pediatric patient

Before her surgery, Peri writes: Let me tell you about a time when I faced three of my greatest fears: hospitals, operations, and having to use crutches.

“Peri, I’m afraid you’ll have to have an operation.”

I was devastated when I heard those words! Sorry, I didn’t tell you why I needed an operation. Last October, I was running to the computer in my socks. The hardwood floors were slippery. Before I knew it, I’d slipped and fallen on the floor!

“OWWWWWWW!!!!!!”

I was in real pain. Fortunately, Mom and Dad heard me yell and came over immediately. Dad picked me up and took me back to the family room and put me on the couch. Mom had to leave to go to the Parent/Teacher Conference while Dad called the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

It turned out I had fractured my femur. So I needed an operation. Back to being scared: I was terrified to the power of ten!

After her surgery, Peri writes: The next day, I had to do the stairs. Using crutches on stairs was a little different than learning to walk with crutches. Going up, it was good foot, crutches, bad foot. Going down, it was crutches, bad foot, good foot. I soon got the hang of it.

Then, a while later, it was time to go home. I was so glad! But there was also a special way I had to get in the car. I had to sit on the seat (facing the window of the door) and turn so that I was sitting properly. I was so glad to be going home!

So here’s what I learned from my experience at Saint Barnabas. Everyone’s afraid of something, but it turns out that after we’ve faced this “something,” it doesn’t seem so bad. It even seems a little silly that we were so afraid in the first place. If you have to go to the hospital, remember, it’s not just a place where sick people go. There are people there who really want to make you feel better. And remember that your parents will be with you every step of the way.

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