Child Life Specialist
Because surgery can be overwhelming for our tiny patients and their families, the CFH ASC employs a Child Life Specialist. Anyone who has seen Stacie in action can see that she loves her job — why else would a grown woman sometimes put on a bunny suit and parade around making children and their parents giggle?
The reality is that Stacie’s job is about more than just the smiles she puts on the faces of children. She’s there to educate patients and their caregivers about what to expect the day of surgery. A Child Life Specialist does this using play and age-appropriate information to prepare them for things such as:
• the special clothes they’ll wear that day
• anesthesia (both going to sleep and waking up)
• things they’ll see, hear and smell
• how they may feel (physically and emotionally)
Part of the age-appropriate explanation may include demonstrating various activities on a stuffed animal, using words your child will understand. Stacie will discuss any of the child’s fears and concerns (and yours too!). Some children do better on the day of their procedure if they’ve been prepared by having a Pre-Op tour. If you think this type of preparation would help your child, please call 309.624.0226.
Parents, please make arrangements for your other children to stay with family, friends or other caregivers for the day of the patient’s surgery so you can remain focused on your child. Prior to surgery, please review our Preparing for Surgery page.