Twenty-one nurses from Florida Hospital Flagler’s Medical Surgical, ICU, and Emergency Departments recently completed a Pediatric Assessment Training course. The pediatric training focused on a child’s various stages of growth and development, as well as tips on how to approach children and gain their confidence and perform head-to-toe assessment with hands-on skill stations.
“Keeping our Flagler County pediatric population in mind, special attention was given to controlling fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as appropriate medication administration,” said Nancy DeWalt, Florida Hospital Flagler Cardiac Educator.
The Pediatric Assessment Training is a 10-hour class offered at Florida Hospital Flagler, and was initially held in January and February 2009. In order to become credentialed to care for the admitted pediatric patient at Florida Hospital Flagler, the nurses had to complete an intensive skills lab and written exam.
“While all Emergency Department nurses are already certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), this new pediatric credential will help our inpatient and outpatient nursing departments provide more complete care for our pediatric patients,” said Jody King, Florida Hospital Flagler Emergency Department Nurse.
In addition to the training, the process of caring for Florida Hospital Flagler’s pediatric patients also underwent some enhancements.
“Our Broselow™ Pediatric emergency system was reviewed and special tools were developed with posting in each pediatric room to facilitate care in an emergent situation,” King said. “In addition, home safety tips are now included in the discharge education of our pediatric patients and their families.”