Today was such an exciting day! I reported to the hospital in dressy clothes ready to make a good first impression. I quickly found my way to the children's floor and then to the child life office. I was greeted by another volunteer, a child life assistant and another child life specialist. After giving me a child life volunteer orientation packet, the child life assistant took the other volunteer and me on a tour of the hospital. We learned what different codes on the doors meant, and how we as volunteers are to respond to those codes. We were shown where the gowns and masks were for when we have to 'gown up' to go into a room. The child life assistant also showed us how to clean toys, and where to place dirty toys. We learned about the equipment in each room. Every child's room is equipped with a PlayStation, DVD player and TV. Other handheld devices like a Nintendo DS and laptops are available if the child wants those as well. We visited the special area of the children's unit especially designed for epileptic children. We have full access to those rooms, just as long as we don't stand at the foot of the bed. I learned that in these rooms, at the foot of the bed, there is a camera that monitors each patient. I also got to visit the oncology and hematology units where I will also have full access. I honestly learned so much about different playrooms and different utility rooms that it is so hard to remember everything! I also found out that the $25 polo I purchased yesterday (which volunteer services said I had to wear) wasn't needed in the child life department. Today I also learned that I will be doing a lot of what a child life specialist does, just minus different counseling techniques. I am so excited to be volunteering through April with this department, and I can't wait to learn so much over interim as well. Tomorrow I will experience my first shadowing opportunity. I will learn exactly what my duties and responsibilities of a volunteer in the child life department entail. I am so excited to meet more of the child life staff, as well as learn the basis for what is to come during my volunteer experience.
Walking around the hospital today reminded me a lot of camp. I worked at a camp for children with life challenges, disabilities and serious illnesses during the summer of 2010. It was at camp that I learned about child life, and decided that I wanted to become a child life specialist. I worked with children with all different types of illnesses and challenges while I was at camp. I played a role in making the children have a normal camp experience, despite their disability, life challenge or serious illness. As I was walking the halls of the hospital today, I realized that I would be in my 'element' this whole month. I will get to interact with children from diverse backgrounds with all sorts of different illnesses and life challenges. Furthermore, I will be able to brighten these kids days by just spending some time with them and performing different therapies.
Speaking of camp, we sang a song every day at camp called "Love Is". That song inspired my blog title. I've included the lyrics below, and you can listen to through the embedded youtube player as well online. As you listen and read the lyrics, keep in mind that we sang this song with kids who had diabetes, downs syndrome and even cancer. This song can be applied to any life challenge, disability or serious illness that a child may be experiencing. The song shows how strong love really is. I can't think of a more perfect blog name. With love for the children I will be working with over the next few months, I can bring a smile to their face, or give them hope they may not have. I can do so much with these children by just showing a little bit of love. Enjoy!
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