Having 20+ year experience as a CCLS, being a member of ACLP, access to a network of colleagues always willing to support, and being a part of the Data Committee for over 7 years I feel, has given me the strength and tools to be successful. Utilizing information from the CLDPC has helped me on this journey and I know will continue to do so. Recently, our CEO, asked me to present what services my department is currently providing and what are the opportunities for growth. In attendance would be various members of administration. I used this graph, staffing data from 2017, comparing ourselves to other free-standing academic hospitals with 100- 300 beds (thanks to the filtering capability). At the time I had 2 CCLS, which as you can see didn’t even compare to other facilities. My discussion focused on the endless possibilities we have for growth and how to improve the care we provide to our patients and families. We could be in the 50th (13.6 FTE) or better yet, why not the 75th (17.75FTE’s) percentile. Lots of questions were asked and I felt listened to and supported. Little did I know… Four hours later I received a call and was told to hire another CCLS and that I would be able to hire another by the end of the year. I’m also seeking grant support from a local organization and utilizing data has been helpful.
Rene Guilbeau, CCLS Director, Child Life & Creative Therapies