In my final installment of the Child Life Chronicles, I interviewed Kym Hoffman. Through my interview with Kym, I learned she is very dedicated to her job and has a very positive attitude! I am so glad I was able to talk to Kym and learn about her experiences with Child Life!
Personal Profile
·Fav animal?
Polar bear.
If you could move anywhere in the world where would you go?
Paris; I think but maybe Antigua.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken Enchiladas Smothered in Green Chili.
Child Life Questions
What unit do you work on at GHS?
CEC, but I was NICU and before that 5E/EMU .
What made you want a career in Child Life?
A little boy I met at Duke on the peds bone marrow unit. I was his “best buddy” volunteer. GHS is his home hospital.
What is your favorite part about being a CCLS?
Hearing kids says “I did it” after they were so worried and medical play.
I know working with children in the hospital can be hard on some days, what helps you get through the tough days?
Chocolate and my sweet boys at home.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to pursue a career in Child Life?
Best job in the world, but it takes a ton of work to get to where you want to be.
How does the hospital get the funding for the amazing toys, games, and crafts for the children in the hospital?
Philanthropy mainly, some operating expenses.
What does Child Life mean to you?
Allowing kids to be kids, learn how to overcome fears, conquer words like diagnosis, and play to cope and understand
Tell me a happy story about something that happened during your Child Life journey (schooling,practicum,internship, career)?
Sooooo many… Oh, I know one time I had a PT that is/was a chronic PT with CF. She and I had a great relationship and she was at a point in life that she had met a friend that died of CF, so we began doing more legacy work and some bereavement work.
This was a week visit so two things happened: one was we had the circus come visit and she was terrified. I had recently connected her with one of our previous pet therapy dogs and she lit up. She then asked me to go with her to the circus party in the playroom. She was laughing and so proud of herself. She conquered multiple fears that week and processed many emotions and fears about death and the importance of taking care of her body. It was a huge moment for me to see her growth.
What sort of activities do you do with your patients that may differ from other units in the hospital?
Ummmm, now I am not sure it's any different because CEC is so procedure-based and I just drop off activities. But in NICU I made tons of notes to siblings from the babies which no one else did.
