She's the play lady...

I cannot explain in words how aggrivating it is when I hear an employee of our hospital walk by my office with a patient, and explain to the patient that yes, that office does look fun, and that girl in there....she's the play lady.
Please don't misunderstand, I love my job, and I don't deny that it's a blessing to be surrounded by bright colors, fun toys and (sometimes) cute children for 8 hours of my day. However, I think since most people don't know what a Child Life Specialist is, they make assumptions based on the fact that they see me carrying toys throughout the hospital and they assume I just wander around bringing happiness and cheer to all I see. I hope that I do sometimes, but these assumers do not know that these toys are distraction tools, because the child I'm taking them to is about to have a needle put into his arm, or he has been in the same bed for 5 days without seeing the light of day, or he's about to have surgery and is terrified of dying. They usually have NO idea that I sometimes have to go to the ICU and be the one who tells a child that their parent of grandparent is dying, and that it's time to say goodbye. They don't realize I went to school for 4 years and then compelted an unpaid internship to get into the field I'm in, and that I'm in a field that's probably way more competitive than their own. I have days when I just wish people would stop looking at me like I am running a daycare in the hospital, and that they'd realize I have a purpose for being here. However, I also know that ill children, death and pain are upsetting things and not issues that many people can handle on a daily basis. So, I smile and nod, agree with them that I DO have the best job on earth and keep walking. In my head though, I'm thinking Go ahead....call me play lady one more time....