For children and families who are navigating serious medical concerns, visits to the hospital can be stressful and tedious – even a little scary. That’s why the Child Life and Social Work team at Nemours Children’s Hospital is dedicated to building a supportive, enriching and fun environment for the children in our care.
It’s a mission the team embraces every day, but during the week of March 21st, the work of the Child Life and Social Work team took on extra importance as we celebrated National Child Life and Social Work Month.
The team focused on the theme of Transformation, and celebrated with related activities each day. And it wasn’t just the patients who benefitted – staff from departments throughout Nemours Children’s Hospital got in on the festivities. Associates from various departments supported their Child Life and Social Work colleagues through their attire, sharing stories of success and showering the team with uplifting messages of appreciation.
On Tuesday, Child Life and Social Work took a retreat, and celebrated with expressive activities to enhance their self care and remind them all of the transformative nature of a butterfly, and how it applies to their work. The retreat ended with a butterfly release; an emotional moment for all who participated.
Wednesday, Associates around the hospital were buzzing with the excitement of the Bumble Bee Transformer visit. Teams Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime took shape, and no one was safe from the debate as Bumble Bee visited with patients and associates throughout the afternoon.
On Thursday, we all took flight in the fight to save NCH, dressed as our favorite super heros. There were battles throughout the house to determine the most impressive super hero. Patients and families celebrated Child Life and Social Work as the ultimate super hero team of Nemours. Each member wore a cape that proclaimed: “Healing is my super power!” One little boy, in awe of Patient- and Family- Centered Care Director Mike Campbell and his red cape, even proclaimed, “He’s a real super hero!!” as Mike crossed the lobby.
The support from patients, families, associates and staff members helps Child Life and Social Work transform lives on a daily basis. Thank you for taking this opportunity to celebrate with us.
