Morgan Watson ’20, M.S. ’22, spends her days making an impact on families. As a certified child life specialist in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Watson cares for infants and their families on a psychosocial level. Riley Hospital’s NICU is a level four, meaning it is the highest acuity NICU in the area. Watson is on the team that sees some of the most medically complex babies in the entire state of Indiana.
Watson’s role includes providing sibling education and support about the NICU, engaging a patient in a developmental play session, procedure and pain management support, or helping empower a family throughout their NICU journey.
The NICU setting is the perfect fit for Watson. “I have a passion for working from a family-centered care lens, which is a unique outlook that the NICU allows me to practice from,” she explained. “Sibling support is one of my favorite aspects of my job, which can be integral in helping families feel supported and connected throughout their NICU journey.”
As a certified child life specialist, Watson works to bring meaning to families going through hard scenarios, such as bereavement and memory making. The NICU setting also allows Watson to really utilize her developmental background and knowledge in her child life practice and in her work within the interdisciplinary team at Riley.
“The best part of my job are the moments that I get to help create for others,” said Watson. “Hospitalization is such an individualized experience, so no two patients, families, or scenarios will ever look the same. I love when I have the privilege of teaching siblings about their new baby sibling or about the NICU, and I get to see the love and connection made between a family. When siblings get to meet over FaceTime or through a custom sibling book, it’s special to get to see the relief on parents’ faces or that dawning of understanding for siblings.
“In harder scenarios, I get to help families create memories by transforming a room into a place that they can safely interact with their babies and have precious moments as a family. It’s an honor when families invite me into their NICU journey, and I help them create moments that will stay with them.”
Watson’s caring nature makes her a natural fit for her role, but she has to remind herself at times that there are only so many hours in a day. “In this role, I can sometimes leave at the end of the day with ‘child life guilt,’ wondering if I could have done more to help a family or change a family’s circumstances,” she said. “While the work I do is meaningful and important, I have to remind myself that I am one person. I have an amazing community around me, including my NICU staff, my child life team at Riley, and through the supports I created as a student. When I have had a hard day or am struggling to get past a difficult case, I lean on my phenomenal support system. They help me reflect and focus on the good that I get to do and pour into my work.”
As an undergraduate student, Watson chose to major in human and family development in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, knowing she would receive the hands-on application and experiences that are the hallmark of programs within the College of Applied Science and Technology. After experiencing the supportive environment offered by faculty, staff, and her peers, she chose to continue at Illinois State for her graduate degree.
“ISU really sets its students up for success with lots of real life, clinical experiences, which can be experiences that set you apart when entering the professional world,” said Watson. “I also found that the support provided by staff and professors was unparalleled.”
“I have gained some of my best professional connections and colleagues, supporters, and friends from my time at ISU, that I don’t think could be replicated in any other program. The Child Life program that Dr. Keri Edwards has helped create and continues to refine and grow really offers that intimate setting to learn and grow, while also connecting you to a huge network of alumni and professionals all over the workforce,” Watson has had the privilege of connecting with many ISU alumni in her current role. “It has been incredible to see how far reaching and connected the child life program is.”
To students interested in pursuing a career in child life, Watson recommends soaking up every moment on campus. “Ask as many questions as you can, say yes to every opportunity available to you, and find specialists or professionals you can look up to,” she said. “Being a child life specialist is a career that encourages you to be a lifelong learner. You are going to continue to learn throughout your entire career. Embrace it and embrace any new experience you can. Believe in yourself and the knowledge you will take from ISU. With that and a passion for the career, you will go far.”
Learn more about the master’s program in Child Life and explore the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
