Child Life Opportunity (Levels 9 & 10 SFCH) Volunteer
Unit Description
Volunteers on this unit work independently and with the Child Life staff in daily activities for pediatric inpatients (birth to 18 years of age), such as arts and crafts and board games. Volunteers check in with the Child Life staff to find out which patients are in need of some one-on-one time. Volunteers then spend time with the patient, focusing on promoting the hospitalized infant/child's growth and development through various activities. Activities range from making crafts, playing video games, playing with toys in the playroom, to having a friendly conversation. Volunteers may also facilitate activities and provide company to siblings of patients. Volunteers must be able to communicate and interact with patients and their parents and families, recognize and work around physical limitations (such as IV poles, or recent surgery wounds), be aware of safety factors, possess good judgment, work independently, are self-directed, and have an interest in working with pediatric patients. Volunteers must be dependable, pleasant, helpful, sensitive to unspoken needs, and aware of the importance of patient privacy.
Training
All prospective Child Life Volunteers will attend large group orientation, where they will receive general University of Iowa Health Care information. Volunteers will also attend small group orientation, where they will receive unit-specific training and receive a tour of the area. Volunteers will be expected to complete a 1.5-hour mentoring session with a current volunteer mentor on the unit.
Uniform
The dress code for this unit is a dress shirt or Volunteer Services polo, khaki pants, and closed-toe shoes. Shirts are available for purchase at Wild Rose Gifts (Main Entrance Lobby) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers must follow the professional appearance policy, which includes wearing the volunteer badge at all times.
Hours Available
Shifts are available Sunday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Volunteers must complete 3 hours per week and have a regular weekly schedule.
Areas of Study Best Suited
Child life, social work, nursing, rehabilitation therapies, pre-medicine, physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, elementary education, or anyone who is interested in working with children.