FAQ's
What do i need to become a hospital play specialist (HPS)?
Every position is different. Most roles require you to hold a relevant early childhood qualification and registration with the Teachers Council. Sometimes there are opportunities for people with relevant degrees in other fields such as Inclusive education, Healthcare or Psychology. All positions will require a Vulnerable Children’s Police Clearance.
Is there any specific training or study I can undertake in relation to being a HPS?
Most, but not all, roles require you to hold a relevant early childhood education qualification and registration with the Teachers Council.
Currently there is not a specific tertiary qualification in NZ for HPS. Training is provided on the job once you secure a role and is the responsibility of your service. Once employed as a HPS you can then start working towards becoming a Registered HPS. (To become a registered Hospital Play Specialist this involves being employed by a DHB or similar health provider as A HPS. For more information on HPS Registration visit the Registration section.
Currently there is not a specific tertiary qualification in NZ for HPS. Training is provided on the job once you secure a role and is the responsibility of your service. Once employed as a HPS you can then start working towards becoming a Registered HPS. (To become a registered Hospital Play Specialist this involves being employed by a DHB or similar health provider as A HPS. For more information on HPS Registration visit the Registration section.
How can I find out about job vacancies in the profession?
There are a number of ways that you can find out about job vacancies:
- Check with the relevant health board in your area
- Monitor the Aotearoa New Zealand Education Gazette Vacancies
- Sign up for job alerts from job search sites such as Jora, or Indeed.
- Check out our Current Vacancies Tab
- Check out our NZ HPS Facebook page 'Hospital Play Specialist Association New Zealand'
What does a ‘typical’ day look like for a HPS?
One of the great parts of our profession is that there is no such thing as a “typical” day. Flexibility and adaptability are essential characteristics of any HPS. Every day will vary based on the children’s and whānau needs. For more information check out our Understanding the Role page.
- Check out our NZ HPS Facebook page 'Hospital Play Specialist Association New Zealand'
What can I do to increase my suitability for employment?
Employment, experience and/or postgraduate study that relates to working with children is always an asset. Many HPS have many years of experience in a child-related field before becoming HPS. This will make you a more desirable applicant for a HPS role, as you will be able to draw on a solid foundation of background knowledge.
Another option is to volunteer at your local Children’s Hospital or Paediatric Ward. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the healthcare environment while supporting the work of your local hospital. You may find there are opportunities to support your local Hospital Play Specialist, or other vital services. Speak with your local hospital’s volunteer coordinator to find out more.
Another option is to volunteer at your local Children’s Hospital or Paediatric Ward. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the healthcare environment while supporting the work of your local hospital. You may find there are opportunities to support your local Hospital Play Specialist, or other vital services. Speak with your local hospital’s volunteer coordinator to find out more.
I am an ECE student can I do a placement or internship with a Hospital Play Specialist service?
As an association we do not organise placements, however if you are completing an education degree, there may be the possibility of completing a practicum/placement in a larger HPS Department. Usually these students will need to be completing their studies with a high grade average, and be in the final year of their degree. Contact the relevant department in your closest play specialist service to check for opportunities.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHILD LIFE SPECIALISTS (CLS) AND HOSPITAL PLAY SPECIALISTS (HPS)?
Our role has many different names internationally. Child Life Specialists/Therapists/Leaders, as they are known in North America, Asia, Canada, and Australia, are part of the same profession as Hospital Play Specialists, as known in New Zealand and the UK. Each country has its own governing body and accompanying set of rules which differ from each other.
The key aspects that are the same internationally include:
• Supporting children to cope with hospitalization,
• Working through stress and anxiety with children and families,
• Building coping strategies and resiliency through psychosocial care, and
• Facilitating continued development and learning opportunities through play.
The key aspects that are the same internationally include:
• Supporting children to cope with hospitalization,
• Working through stress and anxiety with children and families,
• Building coping strategies and resiliency through psychosocial care, and
• Facilitating continued development and learning opportunities through play.
