Child Life Department involved since the beginning of Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital
When Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital was built in the early 1990s, the Child Life staff had a key role in the planning and construction stages of the facility, participating on committees, planning sessions and going open walk-throughs of the construction site. When the hospital opened its doors, the department served as the orientation and education committee for children’s hospital staff. We celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Child Life program at Geisinger during March.
Today we feature Child Life Specialist Myah Nester.
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
College: Western Michigan University
Family: Husband: Jordan; Daughter: Charley
Favorite food: Chocolate chip cookies
Favorite superhero: Wonder Woman
Favorite book: Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice
Favorite game: Monopoly Deal
Favorite TV show: Shark Tank
When you aren’t working, how do you like to spend your time?
Going on walks with my daughter and dog Tuka. Volunteering. Trying new food.
Special talent or stupid human trick you may possess?
Saying the alphabet backwards
What made you want to be involved with the Child Life Department?
“Some patient’s come to the hospital and might have one of the most difficult days of their life whether it be because of an injury or having surgery. I love that I get to help make those difficult days, less difficult.”
What is your favorite part of what you do?
“I love that I get to be the positive person that is cheering them on and helping them cope through healthcare experiences.”
What is something that was very touching for you personally while performing your job?
“We had a patient that was terrified to get bloodwork done. She had a bad experience in the past and was completely disengaging with staff. After giving her multiple coping options and fully preparing her for what to expect, she was able to cope through it successfully. It was an awesome moment to see the change from her refusing to go to the lab to her saying how getting the blood draw wasn’t bad at all.”
How have donations to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger helped in allowing you to perform your job?
“In the Pediatric Orthopaedic Clinic donations have helped in many ways. From the special car seats (Wallenberg car seat) we loan to patients that are put in spica casts, to the polaroid cameras and film I use to document the journey of infants who have to come in and get casted weekly for their clubfoot. Our clinic would be a lot less fun without the things donations to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger has made possible for us to purchase.”