Hospital experiences are stressful and can be traumatic.
The Child & Family Life Program symbolizes Mount Sinai South Nassau’s continued effort to serve our community, facilitate emotional adjustments & promote the health & well-being of children & their families.
Hospital experiences are stressful and can be traumatic. The mission of the Child and Family Life Program is to:
- Provide a safe and non-threatening environment for children and families
- Prepare a child for hospital procedures to decrease anxiety and increase compliance
- Provide emotional support and reduce anxiety through therapeutic interventions at the bedside and the playroom
- Educate caregivers and the public about needs of children under stress
Child & Family Life services are available in many departments throughout the hospital to support patients, families and staff including:
- Pediatrics and the Pediatric Emergency Department
- Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit
- Maternity
- Ambulatory Surgery and Pre-surgical Testing
- Palliative Care
- Various adult units
Did you know?
A Child & Family Life Specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau is available to familiarize a child and family with the program, playroom and bedside activities to promote a sense of comfort and well-being.
A Child & Family Life Specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau is available to offer a child developmentally appropriate toys, games and art materials to normalize the healthcare experience.
A Child & Family Life Specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau is available to provide creative arts therapies & therapeutic play experiences to prepare a child for a procedure & to foster expression of feelings related to healthcare encounters.
A Child & Family Life Specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau is available to provide education, resources and emotional support for a child, siblings and family members to minimize the stress and anxiety that often accompanies healthcare experiences.
A Child & Family Life Specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau encourages positive coping skills, teaches relaxation techniques and offers distraction activities to facilitate a child’s adjustment to the healthcare experience.
A Child & Family Life Specialist at Mount Sinai South Nassau advocates for children and focuses on family-centered care.
For more information, contact Kerri Wagner, MA, Child & Family Life Specialist at (516) 632-4779/3951.
