The Emergency Nurse’s Role in Supporting Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department Position Statement-The Emergency Nurse’s Role in Supporting Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department Position Statement

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The role of emergency nurses in supporting pediatric readiness in the emergency department (ED) is crucial. A significant number of ED visits in the United States are made by children under 15 years of age, making it essential for all emergency nurses to have the necessary resources and competencies to provide safe and effective care for pediatric patients. The responsibility for ED preparedness lies with the emergency nurse leader, who must assess staff competency, develop policies and procedures, procure equipment and supplies, plan for quality improvement and disaster management, and provide staff education.<br /><br />However, there is a lack of a universal definition for pediatric patients, as children have unique psychosocial and developmental needs that extend beyond adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatrics defines pediatric patients as those from birth to age 21, while most EDs define them based on the legal definition of a minor, which is usually age 0-17. It is important for those providing care to understand these unique needs.<br /><br />The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has taken steps to improve pediatric emergency nursing education by launching the Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) in 1993. ENPC prepares ED nurses to recognize the physiological and anatomical differences in children that put them at risk for rapid deterioration when ill or injured.<br /><br />ENA asserts that all EDs have a responsibility to be prepared to deliver life- and limb-saving care to pediatric patients, and the identification of a nurse pediatric emergency care coordinator (PECC) is essential to ED readiness. EDs should maintain appropriately sized equipment and supplies for pediatric care, and nursing education and competencies should address the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric-specific indicators should be included in ED performance improvement plans, and disaster plans and practice drills should include pediatric patients. EDs should also have policies and procedures in place for the care of children according to the guidelines set by ENA, AAP, and ACEP.<br /><br />Efforts have been made to improve pediatric readiness in EDs, including the assessment of pediatric readiness through a survey that assigns a score to each ED. The presence of a PECC has been identified as the most important factor influencing an ED's readiness to care for children. Pediatric readiness scores have been associated with improved patient outcomes, such as improved pain management and decreased pediatric mortality rates.<br /><br />In conclusion, it is vital for EDs to be prepared to care for pediatric patients. The role of emergency nurses in supporting pediatric readiness is crucial, and efforts should be made to ensure that all EDs have the necessary resources and competencies to provide safe and effective care for children.

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Keywords

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