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Advocating for Children in the Hospital
For Staff & Caregivers
Nicole DeGeorge
April 26, 2024
Child life specialists all have our ideal standards of care for hospitalized children that we teach, advocate for, and promote. However, not all pediatric healthcare workers are taught these things, so these standards are not always adhered to. We understand that emergencies happen and sometimes the least traumatic methods are not possible to achieve the medical goal, but sometimes the standards are simply overlooked. In those cases, the best solution is to advocate for the patient.
For Staff:
Children deserve to be treated using the least traumatic methods WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
That goes for pain control, pre-procedure calming medication, not being strapped down for procedures, and not being surprised with pain.
You have the ability and responsibility to advocate for the patient when you see these things being ignored!
It can be scary to confront other staff members, but think of it as advocating for a child rather than confrontation.
There are ways to advocate to other staff that maintain a sense of rapport but also get the point across. Be respectful but also firm and explain WHY your way is the right way.
If they don’t listen or if your suggestion isn’t possible for whatever reason, at least you know that you tried!
For Parents:
Child life specialists aim to empower caregivers to be their child’s biggest advocate! You also know your child better than ANYONE and you can actually offer information that can make staff’s jobs easier!
By offering information and advice pertaining to your child, you may help procedures go better.
I know the hospital is unfamiliar and scary for a lot of people, but just know that you have EVERY RIGHT to advocate for best practices for your child.
Hospitals have the responsibility to integrate family into pediatric care per principles of family-centered care, so they should listen to you.
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