St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Allows Children to Play Doctor

St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Doctor for a Day
Seven-year-old patient Zoe Jones examines Hospital Chaplain Tina Imperato during St. Joseph's Children's Hospital's annual "Doctors for a Day" event March 20, 2012. (PRNewsFoto/St. Joseph's Children's Hospital)

St.  Joseph’s Children’s Hospital was partly child’s play on March 20th as some staff members switched roles with the  young patients and became patients for a day.   There was a purpose in mind with all this play .  By becoming pretend the doctors it is hoped that the children will not feel as anxious about having to be in the hospital.    This is an annual event that coincides with Child Life Month.    This event, “Doctors for a Day” is made possible by the Child Life Specialists at St.  Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.  Throughout the year the Child Life Specialist work to help children better understand procedures and help to relieve the uneasiness that they may be feeling about being ill or having to stay in the hospital.

“We want our patients to feel comfortable while staying at our hospital,” says St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Child Life Supervisor Leah Frohnerath. “By allowing patients to play the part of the doctor, they may be less anxious about the procedures that will be performed on them at the hospital.”

Tampa Parent
Author: Tampa Parent

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