Child Life Specialists

Child life specialists play a special role in children’s health care.

MercyOne Children’s Hospital provides a certified staff of specialists trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful health care experiences. Difficult or unexpected experiences, such as chronic illness, hospitalization, the death of a loved one or the aftermath of a traumatic event can be upsetting for anyone, especially children.

Child life specialists work with family members and health care staff to focus on the needs of children. Their roles can include:

Easing a child’s fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational activities
Explaining tests, surgeries and other procedures to a child ahead of time
Engaging children and families in special events, entertainment and activities
Considering the needs of siblings or other children who may also be affected by a child’s illness or trauma
Directing pre-admission hospital tours and resources, and consultations with outpatient families
Supporting families confronting grief and bereavement issues
Providing education and resources for parents and members of the team

MercyOne’s Child Life Specialists provide services to the Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), Medical Imaging, Pediatric Emergency Department, Cath Lab and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

childrens hospital dots

Donating to Child Life Program

The department receives many requests about donations of items for children. Because there are specific guidelines on what can be accepted, please refer to the Child Life Specialists Wish List for a list of items that can be donated.

Please contact Child Life at 515-240-0320 or mercyonechildlife@mercyoneiowa.org with any questions!

Meet the Child Life Specialists

The Child Life Specialists at MercyOne provide services in the following main areas: Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Medical Imaging, Pediatric Emergency Department, Endoscopy and Cardiac Catheterization Lab. If needed, a team member will provide assistance in other areas of the hospital where children receive care in a mixed adult and child environment.