Child Life Specialist

A hospital can be a scary place for a child, especially if it is their parent who has been injured. The Child Life Service Department is available to help your child cope with difficult situations and medical experiences. Vanderbilt's Certified Child Life Specialists are trained in child development and understand the unique needs of children, teens, and families in the hospital. Through play and education, Certified Child Life Specialists can partner with you to create a friendly and comfortable medical environment for your child.

How Can A Child Visit In The Trauma ICU?

If a child is younger than 14 years old, they are not allowed on the 10th floor. In certain circumstances, and when approved by the management team, a child can visit their parent in the trauma ICU. The child must first meet with our Child Life Specialist to determine if the visit will help the child better cope with the hospitalization, and if they are mentally and emotionally ready to handle the visit. Once the Child Life Specialist determines that your child is ready, a time to visit will be arranged with the Charge Nurse, Security and the bedside nurse.

Our Goal

Talking to children about the accident that led up to the hospitalization can be really difficult, even if you have experience in the medical field. Describing a TBI is even harder. Our goal is to ensure that you have everything you need to help your child cope with the hospitalization and the diagnosis of a TBI. A Traumatic Brain Injury can change family dynamics, and our team is here to help you guide difficult conversations in a way that your child can understand.

How To Request Our Services

To request our services, all you have to do is ask your provider or your bedside nurse. A Child Life Specialist will contact you to learn more about your child and their needs, and set up a time to meet.