Cassandra James, one of our Lead Child Life Specialist has been working at our hospital for 6 years. Watch our latest #SRHaccess Facebook Live segment on Child Life, to learn more about the services they provide to our patients. Watch the segment and get to know more about her below.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
The best part of my day is when I walk into those difficult situations when no one really believes that we will be able to get the child to maybe be still for an MRI, or cope with getting their blood drawn or IV started. Then, after meeting with and working with the patient, prepping them, and developing a coping plan, that we go in and they succeed. The smiles on their faces that they did it is the best part of my day and my job!
 
 
What’s your favorite thing about the hospital? 
My child life team!
 
 
Describe a typical day.
I often feel like no two days are the same. However, I usually start my day with my nursing team, getting report and updates on patients. Then, I prioritize and plan my day as best I can. As my coworkers arrive, I try to check in with them and see what they have on their plate as well so that I can see where help is needed. I see our patients as they are admitted to the inpatient unit and help prepare them for their surgeries and other procedures. I enjoy the moments when I can hop in on playroom sessions and get to play with my patients and spend time getting to know them better. I usually wrap up the day with paperwork/computer work.
 
How long have you worked here?
6 years
 
 
How did you find out about the hospital?  
When I relocated to Dallas, I researched all of the children’s hospitals in the area. Scottish Rite stood out to me because of its “small town” feel and the many specialized things that we offer.
 
What made you want to work here?
When I came for my interview, I loved the atmosphere of the hospital and everyone that I encountered was so kind and welcoming. 
 
What skills do you need for your job?
I have to be able to think quick on my feet some days. I have to be patient and flexible. We work with kids through some of the toughest parts of their days in the hospital, so we also have to be great encouragers and advocates!
 
 
What was your first job??
When I was 16, I was a pharmacy tech in the Kmart pharmacy
 
 
What is your favorite…

• Hospital event: Pancake breakfast
• Food in the cafeteria: It’s a tie between the guacamole and the orange muffins!
• Place in the hospital: The park. I enjoy it in the spring when we can get outside and have lunch at the tables.

 

• What’s your favorite…
  • Place to travel: Anywhere sunny
  • Type of food: Mexican
  • TV show: The Cosby Show

 
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Teleportation, so I can get anywhere I need to be in a moment’s notice. I could zip myself to have lunch with my kiddos or go watch them in various events at school and be back to work in seconds!
 
 
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Pediatrician


What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Ride in a Jamaican Bobsled
 

What’s the last book you read?
The Day the Crayons Came Home
 

What kind of animal would you be?
I think I have to go with dog, maybe a miniature goldendoodle, because who can resist that! LOL!
 
 
How long is your commute? What do you do on the drive?
30 minutes. I do something I never thought I would do, and that is ride in silence. I enjoy the quiet time, because as a wife and mom of 3, we don’t get much of it at my house!
 
What is something people don’t know about you?
I skipped the 1^st grade and have always been the baby of my friend group. It used to bother me when I was in high school, but now as many of my friends are getting closer to turning 40, I don’t mind it at all!
 
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Sweet Home Alabama! I’m a born and raised bama girl, and die hard University of Alabama fan! ROLL TIDE!