Child Life month feature: Trent Zwatty
As we wrap up Child Life month and the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Child Life at Geisinger, we continue to feature members of our Child Life team. Today we feature Certified Child Life Specialist Trent Zwatty who work as the team’s playroom coordinator.
What made you want to be involved with the Child Life Department?
“I was first introduced to Child Life when I volunteered at a children’s hospital in Texas. Volunteering with the Child Life department at that hospital gave me a great appreciation for what they do, and how they help support children and their families in medical settings.”
What is your favorite part of what you do?
“My favorite part of my job is interacting with patients and their families. Unfortunately, there are some patients with chronic and complicated medical issues, so they spend a lot of time at the hospital. Because I see some patients here often, I have been able to establish a relationship with them and their families, and we get to know each other. I am grateful to be a friendly and familiar face for these patients and help them through difficult situations.”
Tell me about something touching for you personally while performing your job?
“There was a patient who used his call button to notify the nursing staff that he was bored and wanted someone to play with him, because his Mom had stepped out of the room to take care of some other things. The nursing staff was busy at that moment, so they asked me if I could spend some time with him. I visited with the patient in his room and we played with Legos, cars, dinosaurs and other toys. His mom was not gone for very long but when she came back, she was grateful that I was there to play with him and entertain him for awhile.”
How have donation to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger helped in allowing you to perform your job?
“Donations to Children’s Miracle Network allow me to purchase supplies for activities, crafts and other fun things for patients to do.”
