Jessica Zimmerman
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated Child Life Specialist experienced in building strong interpersonal relationships with children and families to enrich their lives through learning and positive interactions. Expertise in improving the medical experiences of children and families while normalizing the hospital environment through individualized assessments, interventions, and opportunities for development and play. Prepared to apply 3 years' experience in the field to a dynamic new position.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Life Specialist - CTICU
Rady Children's Hospital
07.2023 - Current
- Maintained detailed records of interventions provided for each patient which helped ensure continuity of care between shifts and team members.
- Provided medical play sessions to familiarize children with hospital equipment and procedures, decreasing fear and anxiety associated with healthcare experiences.
- Served as an advocate for children''s rights within the healthcare system, ensuring their voices were heard in decision-making processes.
- Developed age-appropriate interventions to alleviate stress and anxiety during medical procedures.
- Assessed developmental needs of patients, tailoring intervention plans accordingly for improved coping skills.
Child Life Specialist (per Diem)
Rady Children's Hospital
11.2022 - 07.2023
- Covered full time maternity leave in CTICU from February - July.
- Reduced stress and anxiety for pediatric patients and their families by providing procedural preparation & support, distraction, medical play, and promoting developmentally appropriate activities.
- Created grief resources in Spanish and English for all units to utilize.
- Maintained a safe environment in the playroom and during Child Life events.
- Enhanced patient well-being by providing therapeutic play activities and emotional support.
- Offered grief counseling to families experiencing loss or life-threatening illnesses, fostering resilience and emotional healing.
Child Life Internship
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Facilitated therapeutic interventions, assessment, and support on Inpatient Hematology/Oncology Unit, Emergency Department, NICCU, Dialysis, CTICU/CVA, and house coverage
- Taught G-tube education class to families
- Implemented medical play, normative play, and therapeutic play to patients from infancy to adolescence
- Participated in weekly modules, staff meetings, case study presentation, and integrated development and practice in weekly assignments.
Child Life Practicum
Texas Children's Hospital
07.2020 - 09.2020
- Shadowed CCLSs in Inpatient Neurology and Outpatient Oncology units
- Observed interactions with patients and families
- Provided age-appropriate activities for individual patients
- Assisted with special events and attended patient care rounds.
Volunteer
Dell Children's Medical Center
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Assisted Child Life Services in creating developmentally appropriate activities
- Engaged patients in bedside play, provide distraction toys for medical procedures, and built rapport with families
- Created virtual play activities for patients.
Program Staff (summers)
Camp For All
05.2015 - 08.2019
- Resided at barrier free camp for children and adults with challenging illnesses or special needs and their families
- Taught wide variety of program activities, with specialized training in creative arts and ropes programming
- Planned and implemented programs in team building and challenge courses
- Maintained program areas and equipment.
Program Staff Internship
Camp For All 2U
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Planned, implemented, and led Camp For All programs and experiences by providing a week long in-hospital day camp experience for children with challenging illnesses or special needs and their siblings
- Visited six different hospitals in the greater Houston and Austin areas
- Collaborated with hospital child life specialists, scheduled, and supervised program staff.
Education
Master of Science: Human Development And Family Sciences - Child Life Specialist Track -
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA08.2019
Skills
- Family-centered care
- Professionalism and Ethics
- Stress reduction techniques
- Documentation and Record Keeping
Affiliations
- Association of Child Life Profession, ACLP Professional Member, 2021-Current
- Beta Xi Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron - Honor Society, 2019-2021
- Beta Lambda Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 2015 - 2019
Additional Information
Child Life Certification - 10/2021
Timeline
Child Life Specialist - CTICU
Rady Children's Hospital
07.2023 - Current
Child Life Specialist (per Diem)
Rady Children's Hospital
11.2022 - 07.2023
Child Life Internship
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
05.2021 - 08.2021
Child Life Practicum
Texas Children's Hospital
07.2020 - 09.2020
Volunteer
Dell Children's Medical Center
08.2019 - 08.2020
Program Staff Internship
Camp For All 2U
05.2018 - 08.2018
Program Staff (summers)
Camp For All
05.2015 - 08.2019
Master of Science: Human Development And Family Sciences - Child Life Specialist Track -
Texas State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
San Diego State University