When a child has to come to the hospital for testing it can be a stressful time for the entire family. At Sanford Children’s we have a Certified Child Life Specialist available to help calm fears and anxieties while promoting positive coping.
A Child Life Specialist is accessible to enhance your child or teens skill by the following…
- Assessment of child/teen’s coping skills and capabilities.
- Increase understanding of procedures and provide preparation for the procedures in terms children and teens can understand.
- Create coping plans with patients to enhance comfort and compliance with procedures Accompany to procedures to continue implementing the coping plan created by the patient.
- Facilitate distraction during procedures (play, guided imagery, deep breathing, etc.).
- Support families regarding their perceptions of the medical events.
- Medical play sessions to promote expression and understanding of medical equipment/environment.
- Provide information regarding your child’s developmental milestones.
You can help by donating to Sanford Children's Child Life Department!
Our Wish List
Make a Cash Gift
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s upcoming test please utilize the following contact information:
Nancy Kiesow, CCLS Certified Child Life Specialist
(605) 328-6704
kiesown@sanfordhealth.org | 
