221:Collaborative care between a Child Life Specialist and Social Worker with Annie Gunning and Haley Thomas at Hope for HIE

221:Collaborative care between a Child Life Specialist and Social Worker with Annie Gunning and Haley Thomas at Hope for HIE

Author: Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist June 12, 2024 Duration: 30:35

On today's episode, Katie had the privilege of speaking with Annie Gunning, a Certified Child Life Specialist and Grief Counselor, and Haley Thomas, a Licensed Master Social Worker, on their collaborative efforts to support families at Hope for HIE. Annie and Haley tailor their support to each family's unique needs, dedicating time to assess and implement the most effective strategies. Under the visionary leadership of Betsy Pilon, Executive Director of Hope for HIE, Annie and Haley are setting new standards in providing exceptional support to the families they serve. 

 

Key Takeaways

 

  • It's important to meet families where they are. 

 

  • Finding ways to help prepare children for procedures with items you have at home empowers children and their families. 

 

  • Supporting the non-patient can be very impactful to families, this includes the siblings and parents. 

 

  • Loss and Bereavement support is crucial to families. Grief is not linear and the community as a whole can be affected by a loss. Annie and Haley support these families through monthly support groups. 

 

  • Collaborative support from one another professionally can create strong partnerships with the best interest of the family and child at heart.

 

  • When seeking help in a hospital setting, reach out to the person who makes you feel most comfortable. If they cannot provide the specific support you need, they will know who can and will direct you to the right resource.

 Learn more about Hope for HIE here.

 

 Parent Stories Matter

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to listen to more CLOC episodes where we highlight the experiences of parents navigating the healthcare system. Each story offers valuable perspectives and practical advice on supporting and empowering families during their healthcare journeys.

When parents feel empowered, everyone wins – kids thrive and the care team excels!

Empower Parents & the Care Team with SupportSpot

  • 85% of users report high satisfaction, appreciating the Child Life On Call App's comprehensive resources and user-friendly interface.

  • 92% of parent users say the Child Life On Call App helped them understand medical procedures and treatment better.

  • 80% of parents believe the Child Life On Call App has contributed to better health outcomes for their child.

  • 73% of parent users believe the Child Life On Call App has made them feel more empowered to advocate for their child in healthcare

Learn more here.

Meet the host: 

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan

 

 

 

 


Hosted by Katie Taylor, a Certified Child Life Specialist, Inside the Children's Hospital is a quiet space for the often unspoken journey of pediatric illness. This podcast moves beyond the clinical to explore the human heart of the hospital, offering conversations that feel more like a shared cup of coffee in a waiting room than a formal interview. You'll hear directly from parents and caregivers who articulate the complex mix of fear, resilience, and love they experience, while pediatric nurses, doctors, and therapists provide their unique professional perspectives on fostering healing and normalcy. The discussions naturally delve into the practicalities of family life disrupted, the emotional weight carried by all involved, and the small, profound moments of hope that sustain people. It’s a resource for anyone connected to a child’s health challenge, whether you're a family member seeking solidarity, a friend looking to understand, or simply someone interested in the intersection of medicine and humanity. Each episode aims to validate the listener's own feelings, whether they are in the midst of a crisis or reflecting on one, by presenting these authentic narratives without sugarcoating yet always with profound compassion. Tune in to find a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the delicate, powerful work happening within those walls.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inside the Children's Hospital
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