Registered health play specialist - Michelle Millen

How did you get your job?

I worked as a healthcare assistant on a children's ward at a hospital in Northern Ireland and admired the work the ward play specialist did. As the route to becoming a health play specialist is slightly different in Northern Ireland, I applied for a play specialist position and worked at the Belfast Health & Care Trust for two years, after which I was given the opportunity to complete the degree while still working.

What's a typical working day like?

I currently work within the children's haematology/oncology unit. I work a monthly rotation between the ward and the outpatient department. When working on the ward, I typically start my day by receiving a handover. After this, I sit and work out a plan for the day ahead, prioritising which children need to be seen and the order I will complete my sessions. This could include preparing a newly diagnosed patient for theatre tests or to receive a port/central line, accompanying a patient to a scan or test, or distracting a patient for bloods, nasogastric intubation insertions or other tests.

Often, we have patients recovering from invasive procedures who may require therapeutic or developmental play. I could be helping patients to prepare for trips to England to receive alternative therapies and how this might look like for them. I may be asked to support a family with hair loss or side effects of their medication. And sometimes a patient just needs to have some fun.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the relationships you build with patients as they navigate their individual journeys. Job satisfaction comes from seeing the smiles on their faces, even when they are feeling sick, sore or tired.

What are the challenges?

As you can imagine, this speciality comes with many challenges. You need to be resilient but also know when to seek support. It's important to look after yourself so you can provide the best possible service to your patients.

It can also be challenging when other professionals don't see the full potential of a health play specialist and often overlook your skills, which may result in a patient missing out on vital support.

How is your degree relevant?

The degree from University Centre Leeds was extremely relevant as it ensured I worked to a strict set of standards, which in turn allows me to work within my professional remit effectively. We were taught the different types of play that a health play specialist needs to provide and why.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

In Northern Ireland, it is slightly different, and completing the degree initially had no change on my career. However, by completing the degree and becoming registered, I have been able to complete a mentoring course. This has allowed me to mentor another student through the degree this year.

We are currently waiting for a new children's hospital to be built in Northern Ireland, so having the degree will allow me to progress in my career when the play team becomes bigger and more opportunities arise.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

• Keep trying. It can be a difficult occupation to get into, and it took me a few tries to succeed. Be determined, as it is so worth it.
• Be open-minded. The degree is hard work, but job satisfaction outweighs the difficult times.
• Have fun. It is the most rewarding job you can have.

Find out more

• Read all about being a health play specialist.
• Take a look at the healthcare sector.