Child Life Specialist helps children and families cope during hospital visits

“I’ve always wanted to work with kids,” said Stephanie Norsten, BS, CCLS.

As a certified child life specialist, Norsten plays a key role in supporting children and families at M Health Fairview Pediatric Specialty Clinic - Discovery located on our M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital campus. From empowering children through blood draw to providing comfort during surgery preparation, our Child Family Life Services team offers developmentally appropriate psycho-social support to reduce anxiety, stress, and fear in the hospital environment. 

At our outpatient Discovery Clinic, Norsten works with children who need advanced care for complex or chronic illnesses. During national Child Life Month, Norsten shared her story about serving at the hospital for 15 years and hwo she is honored to make a difference for the children and families in our care.

'I was sold:' Volunteer role led to fulfilling career

Norsten was an aspiring teacher when she shadowed a certified child life specialist while volunteering at an Iowa hospital.

“I was sold,” she said, noting that she immediately fell in love with the work.

At our Discovery Clinic, we see as many as 145 patients a day. Norsten helps her patients cope, whether they have chronic conditions or are experiencing a medical procedure for the first time.

“For some of these kids, it’s their first time ever having their blood drawn,” said Norsten. “It may seem small to adults but it’s a big deal. It’s a big deal to have a wart removed. My job is help reduce those anxieties.”

Developing coping plans, role-playing a procedure, and talking to the child and their family about how they are feeling helps set the tone for the rest of their medical journey. Having a child replicate a procedure on a stuffed animal provides a sense of control during an otherwise stressful moment.

Learn more about our pediatric specialty clinics.