Wonders within: Social worker Joe Roberts draws out the best in kids
As a clinical social worker on the pediatric intensive care unit, Joe Roberts works with patients and families dealing with stressful and often scary situations. Describing himself as a non-medical member of the care team, he said he connects with patients and families by addressing their needs and concerns and communicating those issues to the rest of the team, serving as a liaison to enhance the hospital experience.
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A personal approach to connecting with patients
Joe’s own childhood experiences with broken bones and surgeries also allow him to empathize with patients.
“When I first meet with patients, the first thing I ask is ‘what’s your favorite animal,’ ‘what’s your favorite color,’ or something like that,” said Joe. “In what’s often a serious environment, I try to show them that they’re allowed to laugh and ask questions, and I’ll be right there with them.”
Joe, who has always enjoyed drawing, likes to start a picture on the whiteboard in a patient’s room and then use ideas from the patient to complete the project. He may start with a drawing of a dog’s head, add an alligator’s body and lion’s tail and finish with the animal breathing fire and holding a sword. He said not knowing how the drawing will turn out is one of the reasons the activity is so fun.
Beyond interacting with patients, Joe supports families by ensuring they understand what is happening with their child, facilitating family and team member meetings and connecting families with resources within and outside of CHoR. As part of the supportive care team, he also works with patients struggling with serious diagnoses or dealing with end of life issues.
“I see my role as trying to ease stress and making sure if there’s anything that can be done to improve a family’s experience or their child’s experience, that it’s being done or at least it’s being heard,” said Joe.
The people make the PICU special
He said he’s excited about how the Wonder Tower’s larger, private rooms and enhanced technology will make the hospital experience more comfortable for patients and families. But for Joe, what really makes CHoR special is the people.
“I know it can be overwhelming for patients and caregivers because there are so many different team members on the PICU,” Joe commented. “But that’s what makes such a wonderful team and unit. You have so many experts who are at the top of their field. I’m constantly learning. They are absolutely phenomenal people who love their jobs.”