Inova Fair Oaks Hospital’s “Child Life” services help young patients feel at ease

Easing Anxiety for our younger patients

To help children and families achieve a sense of calm and well-being during hospital visits, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital now offers Child Life Services.

Child Life specialists are available in the Emergency Center and throughout the hospital to ease the anxiety and stress patients and their families may experience.

“The Child Life program is key in supporting the patient and the family through the hospital process. Specifically focusing on alleviating stress, Child Life specialists help the child and family understand what is happening to them throughout the course of an ER visit or hospitalization,” says Cecilia Mortorano, Clinical Director of the Emergency Center at IFOH.

Child Life specialists are experts in child development and assist children and families by providing preparation for procedures, presurgical tours, distraction and support during medical procedures, medical and therapeutic play, sibling support, bereavement support and hands-on education about the hospital environment.

Highly Trained Specialists

Child Life specialists are highly trained professionals who are required to complete an undergraduate degree in Child Life or a related field and must pass a certification exam administered by the Association of Child Life Professionals. They must also complete a 600-hour internship before taking the exam.

IFOH has two new certified Child Life specialists: Becca Wagner, MS, CCLS, and Emily Phipps, BS, CCLS. Wagner earned her master’s degree from Ohio University and completed clinical rotations at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, and at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She has also volunteered at medical diagnosis camps both abroad and in the United States as well as at child advocacy centers.

An avid volunteer, Phipps completed her clinical training at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, and at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital. She brings extensive training in child psychology and medicine to her new position.

Proven Benefits of Child Life Services

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that Child Life Services are an important aspect of pediatric programs, helping children and families to successfully navigate their hospital experience.

“Child Life Services have been proven to help children through procedures with a decreased need for sedation and a decreased perception of pain. This ultimately allows the child to heal and go home more quickly,” says Jamie Gentille, Director of Child Life Services.

The program has been a successful addition to the pediatrics program at Inova Children’s Hospital for more than two decades, and has been in place at Inova Loudoun Hospital for seven years. Gentille is excited to see Child Life Services at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

Plan Ahead for a Pediatric Hospital Visit

For age-specific tips on preparing for a hospital stay or a surgical procedure, visit inovachildrens.org/child-life-services.