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During the Summer of 2017 I completed a 652 hour child life internship at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. During my time at CHP, I was able to complete two 7 week rotations in the Level 1 Emergency Department and Solid Organ/Intestinal Transplant unit, giving me experience in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. I also engaged in an interim week during which I shadowed members of the interdisciplinary team, and observed child life specialists in the EEG clinic, radiology department, hematology/oncology unit, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), off-campus burn unit, and inpatient rehabilitation.  In addition to my clinical experience, I completed daily journals and chart notes, developed therapeutic activity plans, presented two case studies, and attended weekly in-services and journal clubs. Over the course of my internship I also developed an I-Spy preparation booklet to be utilized in the Emergency Department and presented a mock abstract proposal regarding the use of care contracts. 

 

My rotation in the hospital’s Level 1 Emergency Department enabled me to interact with patients, families, and professionals in a fast-paced setting while being able to promptly prioritize patients and child life interventions. Through quick rapport development I was able to provide procedural preparation and support for lacerations repairs, IV placements, casting, and level 2 traumas. 

 

Alternatively, my rotation on the Solid Organ and Intestinal transplant unit enabled me to gain additional experience with long-term rapport building, providing emotional support to patients and families, and engaging children in developmentally appropriate therapeutic activities. On this unit I gained experience with preparations for liver and kidney biopsies and radiology experiences. As an intern on the unit I had the distinct opportunity to attend Camp Chihopi for children with Liver and Intestinal transplants. 

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Through my internship I was able to grow as a professional and further my child life competencies. Please click on each picture to learn about my experiences. Feel free to view examples of my assignments by clicking on each button as well!

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