Child Life Internship

• Each 600-hour internship is structured as 40 hours per week for 15 weeks
• One 2-week rotation and two 6-week rotations are typically offered on a specific medical unit.  Playroom/group programs are completed weekly
• Supervision is provided by Certified Child Life Specialists, who strive to assist students as they apply theory to practice

The internship is highly structured and provides multiple opportunities for learning.  Interns should have no other commitments during this internship.  Student housing is available during the semester on a first come, first serve basis.

Our internship sessions are consistent with the recommendations from the Child Life Council.

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  How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documentation by the deadline:          

• Completed Application for Child Life Internship
          
• Course Work Review by the Child Life Council           
          
• Academic transcripts reflecting completion of coursework recommended by the Child Life Council
          
• Two letters of recommendation, one from an academic professor and one from a supervisor who has observed your work with children
          
• A minimum of 150 hours working with children in a health care setting
          
• One page letter of aspiration stating the goals and objectives for your internship
          

Mail these documents to the following address:

Child Life Department
Box 7390
All Children's Hospital
501 6th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL   33701

Although the selection process includes a phone screening and personal interview,  a completed application does not guarantee a phone screening.  Applicants are selected for a phone screening based on their college major with core Child Life/Child Development courses, GPA, references, letters of aspiration and experience working with children.  Up to two applicants will be selected for a personal interview, and one or two interns will be selected per semester.

If you have further questions, please contact Kristin Maier, Clinical Coordinator at 727-767-3957.

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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR INTERNSHIP

1. To become familiar with the Child Life profession in general and specifically, to become acquainted with the Child Life Program at All Children's Hospital.
2. To gain a working knowledge of child/adolescent growth and development.
3. To have an opportunity to interact with patients on a one-to-one basis and in group situations.
4. To gain an understanding of the effects of stress and trauma on children's/adolescents' behavior and development.
5. To gain an understanding of the special needs of chronically ill children/adolescents and their families.
6. To gain experience in providing appropriate play and recreational activities for children/adolescents.
7. To gain experience in being an advocate and spokesperson for child and family.
8. To gain experience in preparing children for hospitalization, surgery and other medical procedures.
9. To gain a basic and practical working knowledge of medical procedures and terminology.
10. To gain an understanding of the roles of other professionals in the hospital.
11. To gain experience in relating psychosocial needs to other professionals through individual contact, multi-disciplinary meetings and other presentations.
12. To gain professional attitude, growth, maturity and judgment.
13. To gain experience in working independently and as a team member in providing for the psychosocial needs of children/adolescents.
14. To evaluate oneself under the guidance of experienced professionals and to be measured by professional standards.

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INTERN REQUIREMENTS

1. List goals and objectives for your internship.
2. Read the required Policy and Practice Guideline Manuals.
3. Read the Safety and Disaster Manual and be familiar with emergency procedures.
4. Maintain a daily journal of hospital experiences to be read by supervisor weekly.  It is recommended that your journal be written immediately following the completion of your day so as to capture your impressions as well as the behaviors and incidents you have observed while they are still fresh in your mind.  Your journal provides a means of communication between the student and staff, as well as giving you an outlet in which to record and analyze behaviors, interactions and incidents.  Your comments will be discussed in your weekly conference with your Child Life supervisor.
5. Complete weekly assigned readings and discuss with the supervisor during weekly meetings.
6. Complete weekly, one or more of each: behavioral observations, developmental assessments and chart notes.
7. Present two detailed case studies on a patient focusing on the psychosocial aspects of the child's reaction to hospitalization, their specific disease or disability and the family's reaction to the preceding.  Address Child Life interventions with the child.  Present case study to Child Life staff.
8. Write a five to eight page paper on a specific disease or disability of which you would like to increase your knowledge.  Present power point to Child Life staff.
9. Complete a special project.  This project should be focused on enhancing and benefiting the operations of the Child Life department and their services to children and families.
10. Complete two site visits with area institutions and hand in a summary of your observations from each visit.
11. Organize a special event for patients and families.
12. Present three oral presentations on “What is Child Life?” to our Child Life department.
13. Complete medical play and preparation observations and planning forms.
14. Complete a minimum of three medical play experiences and three preparations under the observation of a Certified Child Life Specialist.
15. Self evaluation.
16. Evaluation of program and supervisors.
17. Interns will be expected to gain experience and participate in all phases of the department, which will include working some evenings, weekends and Holidays.  In addition, it is vital that the intern be flexible as the hours may occasionally vary on short notice, according to need.

 

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