Schedule at a Glance

Presenters: Ashley Nicole Parnell, BSN, RN, CPN; Erica Herreros-Nieves, BSN, RN, CCRN; Mikka Magee, MSN, RN, CCRN; Erin Kelley, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNE
Session Description: "Safe Landing" revolutionizes pediatric ICU handoffs with a standardized tool ensuring seamless, distraction-free communication between OR and ICU teams. By cutting down inaccuracies and improving safety, this initiative offers a unique method to enhance patient transitions and reduce sentinel events, supporting better outcomes in pediatric care.
Session Track: Quality Improvement

Presenters: Jordan Staggs, MSN, RN; Emily Percy, BSN, RN
Session Description: Ever feel tired of sitting through endless hours of computer education? Wouldn't you rather play a game? Join us as we discuss game-based learning and its impact on nursing knowledge and professional development, patient safety, and quality of care at a large pediatric medical center.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Mayra G. Garcia, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC, EBP-C; Kathleen Ellis, PhD, CCRN, CNE; Kiele Samuel, MSN, RN, CPN, NE-BC
Session Description: Explore the critical and emotional aspects of decedent care in pediatric hospitals. This session delves into the practices and design of decedent care rooms among pediatric hospitals in the United States. Learn about one study's findings for improving decedent care practices and design, aiming to provide compassionate support for both families and healthcare professionals.
Session Track: Research

Presenters: Annie Tolliver, MSN, RN, CPN; Christina Smith, BSN, RN, CPN, CPPS, EBP-C
Session Description: Audible alarms are crucial for pediatric patient care. However, a high volume of non-actionable alarms can lead to desensitization, jeopardizing patient safety. Learn how nurses can take the lead in managing alarms to reduce the level of non-actionable alarms in your unit.
Session Track: Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Karen Burgess, RN, MSN, PNP; Ashley Duffner, RN, MSN CPNP-AC/PC CPON
Session Description This session is designed to help nurses feel more comfortable during code blue situations by working on the individual skills needed to perform resuscitative skills.
Session Track: Quality Improvement (QI)

Presenters: Madison Schaubroeck, BSN, RN, CPN; Maria Fernandez, BSN, RN; Stephan Marshall, BSN, RN
Session Description: This session will take an evidence-based dive into acknowledging that we, as pediatric healthcare workers, are putting our patients at risk for hospital-acquired infections. The session will focus on a key electronic communication device commonly used in an inpatient setting and how we can be better at maintaining its cleanliness.
Session Track: Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Jamie Rosendale, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN, CNOR-PEDS; Lynnette Acosta, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN; Krista Simmons, MSN-Ed, RN; Cristina D'Andrea, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN; Macey Buresh, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN; Katie Forbis, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN
Session Description Engage in interactive learning at our Annual Competency Validation game station! Dive into fun, camping-themed games that will boost your understanding of essential nursing skills. Test your knowledge and abilities in an engaging, hands-on environment that promises to be both informative and enjoyable. Get ready for an adventure in learning!
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Amanda Tam, MSN, RN, CCRN; Kelly Perez, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Session Description: Pupillometry is the gold standard for neurological assessments. It provides objective pupillary index scores to assist with early detection of neurological changes. In this session, participants will gain an understanding of how a children's hospital implemented pupillometry in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Session Track: Clinical Practice

Presenters: Kia L. McCoy, MSN, RN
Session Description: Pediatric patients with tracheostomies face higher risks when transferred prematurely from the ICU. This session will discuss a quality improvement project aimed at reducing deterioration events using an ICU transfer protocol. The project involved setting transfer goals and educating staff. Post-protocol implementation, the effectiveness of patient transfers reported by TCU staff increased from 23% to 100%. EMR data showed a decrease in acute deterioration within 72 hours, and ICU transfers dropped from 11% to 2%.
Session Track: Quality Improvement (QI)

Presenters: Grace Sekayan, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, PHN, CCRN-K; Allyssa Brimbuela, MSN, RN, RNC-OB, NPD-BC
Session Description: This session explores the Pediatric Transition to Practice Program, focusing on its approach to training experienced nurses through multi-modal learning strategies while also fostering organizational enculturation and professional development opportunities. The program's success is attributed to the comprehensive support provided by program developers, department leaders, preceptors, and mentors.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Megan Morgan, MSN, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN; Kristina Lubke, MSN, MBA, RN, CPEN, TCRN
Session Description: Join us for a comprehensive session on the development of an agitation medication pathway, designed to enhance patient care in the pediatric emergency department. This session will explore the latest evidence-based strategies and pharmacological interventions for treating agitation. Gain practical insights and learn how to tailor interventions to individual patient needs, ensuring a calm, safe, and therapeutic environment.
Session Track: Clinical Practice

Presenters: N. Alise Farrell PhD, MSN, CPN, RN; Shelley A. Miller, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Session Description: Learn methods to develop a pediatric simulation to enhance clinical judgment, address care of potential victims of violence, promote communication, and incorporate aspects of health equity and health literacy.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Nicole Bizzack BSN, RN, CPEN; Virginia Elizondo, BSN, RN, CPEN; Angie Rodick, BSN, RN, CPEN; Georgina Hernandez, BSN, RN; Ashley Collins, BSN, RN, CPEN, Amber Albiar, BSN, RN, CPEN
Session Description: This session will review the implementation of a process to improve workflow efficiency in responding to patients at risk for sepsis. This includes expediting antibiotic administration, raising sepsis awareness, and upholding standards through continuous engagement.
Session Track: Quality Improvement (QI)

Presenters: Catherine LaPoint, MSN, RN, CBC, CPN
Session Description: Explore an innovative teaching strategy aside from the traditional approach. A flipped classroom activity encourages student engagement, critical thinking, and improves retention of content. Though this activity is specific to pediatric neurological content, the flipped classroom approach can be easily implemented in various courses or applied in other healthcare settings.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Misty Daugherty, BSN, RN, CPHQ; Annie Tolliver, MSN, RN, CPN; Katie Fields, BSN, RN
Session Description: Most victims of human trafficking will encounter a healthcare professional, with up to 50% being youth. However, most healthcare professionals report feeling ill-equipped to identify the warning signs and lack training in trauma-informed care. Discover how to champion the necessary training to identify and respond to victims of human trafficking..
Session Track: Advocacy

Presenters: Kathy Van Allen, MSN, RN, CPN
Session Description: The work of nursing leaders is complex and increasingly demanding leaving them susceptible to stress, burnout, mental fatigue, and exhaustion which can negatively impact their efficiency and effectiveness. Learn how a regional nurse leader network contributed to building nurses' workplace social capital, empowering leaders, and elevating their performance.
Session Track: Leadership & Management

Presenters: Virginia Elizondo, BSN, RN, CPEN; Amanda Caipo, BSN, RN, CPEN
Session Description: This session will review implementing an improvement process to prevent and escalate patient deterioration in the emergency waiting room. The process development, role guidelines, escalation algorithm, and communication tool development will be discussed. The presenter will share the improvement results in the early recognition of deteriorating patients and patients' LWBS.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: Jessica Panice, MSN, APRN, PCNS-BC
Session Description: Do you want to see how to answer your clinical questions and improve patient safety, utilizing evidence? Join us as we discuss how the EBP was put into action through the development of an evidence-based pediatric hypoglycemia clinical pathway.
Session Track: Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Ashleigh Couturie, MHA, BSN, RN, CPN; Shelby Condon, BSN, RN, CPN; Rachelle Loerwald, MHA, BSN, RN, RN-BC
Session Description: Research has shown that a low sense of belonging is the primary driver of first-year turnover in new graduate nurses. This session describes how two acute care pediatric units reinvented the onboarding process with a focus on individualized support, unit-specific education, and staff-driven welcome initiatives which led to a decrease in nurse turnover.
Session Track: Leadership and Management

Presenters: Renee McGinnis, MSN, RN, CPN
Session Description: Empower all members of the health care team to gain knowledge and competence in outpatient pediatric emergency care. Case studies will demonstrate how repeated simulation exposure has created an environment of confidence when real life emergencies occur.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Aubry Grame, BSN, RN
Session Description: Imagine the Possibilities! This session will provide a case study of a child with Severe Aplastic Anemia, the novel treatment of an umbilical cord blood transplant, and significant pediatric nursing considerations.
Session Track: Clinical Practice

Presenters: Anna Winquist, PhD, MN, RN
Session Description: Nurses are mandated to report child abuse and neglect [CAN] (in most states). What are your workplace protocols in reporting suspected CAN? When was the last time that you received CAN education? Join this session to hear pediatric and other nurses' experiences as CAN mandated reporters.
Session Track: Research

Presenters: Christina Tan, BSN, RN; Valerie Shorten, BSN, RN
Session Description: This evidence-based practice project evaluated the impact of trauma-informed care education on the neonatal intensive care unit staff. Surveys indicated increased awareness among participants and more confidence to incorporate it into their daily practice.
Session Track: Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Karin (Kari) Price, MSN, RN, CPN, CWON; Susan Fisk, BSN, RN; Fidelity Dominguez, BSN, BSN, RN, CPEN, LSSGB
Session Description: Children with medical complexity (CMC) remain at higher risk for hospital readmissions and experience many barriers to care. Telehealth is a valuable tool for identifying care barriers and connecting families with resources to decrease preventable readmissions. Learn about the implementation a novel program leveraging the expertise of a nurse providing telehealth visits to enhance care transitions from hospital to home for CMC. Using quality improvement (QI) design methods, the program was initiated at a 500-bed quaternary care center and later expanded to a 115-bed facility.
Session Track: Clinical Practice

Presenters: Jennifer Horn, MSN, RN, CPN, CPPS; Capella Ilagan, MSN, RN, PHRN, CCRN, C-NPT, CTRN; Janna Berg, BSN, RN, CPN
Session Description: Join participants of the SPN Leadership Skills Development program as they discuss their leadership projects and real-world applications.
Session Track: Leadership and Management

Presenters: Madison Lemons, BSN, RN, CPN; Rose Anne Dela Cruz, MSN, RN, CPN; Amanda Marquez, BSN, RN, CPN
Session Description: Learn to understand the importance of identifying patients at high risk for social determinants of health and identify barriers and solutions to screening.
Session Track: Advocacy

Presenters: Tammy Noble, MSN, RN, CPN; Melissa Gorman, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, NPD-BC, CCRN; Marni B. Kellogg, PhD, RN, CPN, CNE; Jeanine Ann Marie Scholl, MSN, RN, APRN, NE-BC
Session Description: Learn to understand how to develop and execute a standardized preceptor education program that enhances preceptor retention and supports pediatric nursing staff.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Christine Hajovsky, BSN, RN, CCRN
Session Description: This project tested pre-printed, color-coded labels in pediatric ICUs to improve medication safety. Learn how color-coded labels verses handwritten labels enhanced nurse confidence and perceptions of patient safety. This session will highlight the positive outcomes from pre- and post-intervention surveys and discuss recommendations for broader application and further research.
Session Track: Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Makenna Brown, CCLS, MS, PhD-c
Session Description: With diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and pediatric ICU admissions increasing, it is important to understand the challenges faced by bedside nursing and the strategies utilized in this context. This session will explore these challenges and strategies and the implications for pediatric nurses and the interprofessional team in the ICU.
Session Track: Research

Event Description: You're Invited! Celebrate the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board's 50th Anniversary in the Center Ballroom at 5:00 p.m. on May 1st. Come celebrate with us as we honor our rich history, recognize the impact of pediatric nurse practitioners, and look forward to the future of the profession. Please RSVP to join the waitlist. 

Presenters: Tracy Ono, PhD, RN, PHN, CCRN
Session Description: As a nurse, you are the frontline of symptom detection for many complications following stem cell transplants. Want to learn more about a nurse sensitive indicator for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome? Join us to hear how bedside nurses may assist in earlier identification of disease.
Session Track: Research

Presenters: Andrew Kim, BSN, RN; Chloe Eicholtz, BSN, RN; Isaac Wilson, BSN, RN
Session Description: This evidence-based practice project evaluated the impact of a mock code simulation on neonatal intensive care unit nurses' confidence in responding to emergencies. The team implemented scenario-based training focused on the necessary skills and interventions within the first three minutes of a code event. Surveys indicated increased confidence among participants.
Session Track: Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Maureen Fitzgerald, EdD, MSN, CPN, CNE; David Jack, PhD, RN, CPN; Paul Bowers
Session Description: This dynamic session will enlighten learners on the processes of developing a team building course for a leadership program that included the conceptualization, development and implementation of a virtual-based instructional session. Features include the process of consulting with Instructional Designers to support an active learning session that features team work in completing an escape room. Use of this learning pedagogical method contributed to positive learning session outcomes
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Tammy Cesaretti, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPN; Aldana Lazic, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Session Description: An initiative to transform an existing float pool nursing team into a flexible, versatile and diverse workforce capable of transitioning across multiple specialties and campuses by streamlining and decreasing the orientation process utilizing a tiered approach that builds upon existing nursing skills.
Session Track: Leadership and Management

Presenters: Natalie Palau, MSN, RN; Amy Valenta, BSN, RN, CPN,
Session Description: This session will address how the implementation of a validated communication board may improve limited English proficiency families' potential to advocate for their needs and the staff's perception of their ability to meet those needs more efficiently.
Session Track: Quality Improvement (QI)

Presenters: Jennifer Lee Flores Petrasanta, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, CLC; Alexandra Diaz, MSN, RNC-NIC, PHN
Session Description: This EBP project aims to improve tracheostomy-related outcomes by developing a Standardized Tracheostomy Education Plan that comprises a discharge bundle and 10 steps for discharge. Caregivers were surveyed using the readiness for hospital discharge scale and the post-discharge coping difficulty scale with follow-up open-ended questions. Caregiver perceptions regarding their standardized trach "go-bag" were also explored and compliance was audited at every clinic visit.
Session Track Evidence-based Practice (EBP)

Presenters: Samantha Hoffman, DNP, CPNP-PC; Taylor Swing, DNP, CPNP-PC
Session Description: Nursing school is HARD! The good news is, we can help! The goal of this presentation is to share how meaningful pediatric mentorship improved student self-efficacy and satisfaction at our institution. We will walk you through the triumphs and challenges of our 18-week Pilot program. By the end of this presentation, you will have the necessary knowledge, tools, and inspiration to create a similar program to help pediatric nursing students at your institution too!
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Ana Maria Pires-Serisser, MSN, RN, CPN; Mary Ellen Green, MSN, RN, CPN, CNL
Session Description: This presentation will describe our medical center nurse-led efforts to improve patient safety and quality of care experiences for pediatric behavioral health patients boarding on a medical unit and for the nursing staff providing care. Attendees will leave with strategies for replicating this systems improvement project and tips for engaging key stakeholders.
Session Track: Clinical Practice

Presenters: Kristen Ann Gamboa, BSN, RN, CPN; Ani Simonoff, BSN, RN, CPN, IBCLC
Session Description: Explore a quality improvement initiative that increased the use of topical pain relief measures with venous lab draws. Learn how implementation of effective education and streamlined workflows can improve pain management practices. Gain actionable insights to elevate organization practices, reduce pain and anxiety, and improve overall patient experience and outcomes.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: Kristina Lubke, MSN, MBA, RN, TCRN, CPEN
Session Description: Explore the critical transition of pediatric patients from surgery to recovery in our session on post-operative handoffs. We'll delve into best practices for ensuring seamless communication, reducing errors, and enhancing patient safety. This presentation will cover standardized protocols, team collaboration, and the unique needs of pediatric patients during handoffs.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: Karen Pugh, DNP, RNC, CNS; Michael Weiss, DO; Renee Moore
Session Description: Explore how a children's hospital significantly reduced pediatric readmission rates by enhancing post-discharge follow-up. Learn about the innovative strategies used to ensure connectivity with primary care practitioners within seven days of discharge, resulting in a 60% reduction in readmissions. Discover insights into demographic disparities and the implications for equitable pediatric care.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: Amanda Carroll, MSN, RN, CPNP, CBC; Rhonda Gibson, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Session Description: Did you ever see a problem but felt powerless to fix it? Preventing pressure injuries in the pediatric post-operative tracheostomy patient can be daunting but should be everyone's priority. Join us as we discuss how interprofessional collaboration and creation of a practice bundle led to a marked decrease in pressure injuries.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: Angie Blackwell, MSN, RN, ACCNS-P, CPON; Heather Christensen, BSN, RN, CPHON
Session Description: This session describes a quality improvement project aimed to decrease CLABSIs on a hematology/oncology unit using improvement science to identify and break down the problem, analyze root causes and implement countermeasures (tests of change). Bathing compliance was identified as a key issue and after examining root causes, we implemented an innovative role, Hygiene Tech, to assist with baths and linen changes, improving our bathing compliance rate by 11.2%, to 96%.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: M. Teresa Shannon, MSN, RN, CPN, NPD-BC; Kate Donovan, PhD, MBA, MS
Session Description: Discover how a simulation-based competency program using standardized patients enhanced safety and staff preparedness in pediatric non-psychiatric units by improving skills in room searches and communication. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and resources to replicate this competency program on the ADDIE instructional design framework to improve safety and care quality for pediatric patients.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Alexandra Ornelas, CFNP, MSN; Mehvish Abbasi, CPNP, MSN
Session Description: Your patient keeps losing her PIVs and her extremity veins are too small for a PICC. She still needs 11 more days of antibiotics. What do you do? This session will provide a comprehensive look into the tunneled, uncuffed chest central venous catheter (or "chest PICC") placed in Interventional Radiology- a CVC that may be the only central access option for many patients.
Session Track: Clinical Practice

Presenters: Laura Ready, BSN, RN, CPN; Becky Pehovic, MS, RN, CPN, CNS-BC
Session Description: This session will explore the processes and challenges of implementing gender identity screening upon admission for adolescents 13-24 admitted on a 32 bed Pediatric Acute Care Unit in an Academic Medical Center. Utilization of a screening form in the electronic health record along with visual inclusivity pose as means to showcase inclusivity. We will also look at the intricacies of educating staff to make an impact on chosen name and pronoun utilization.
Session Track: Evidence-based Pracice (EBP)

Presenters: Aileen Chan, MSN, RN, PED-BC; Kyle Downs, MSN, RN, PED-BC
Session Description: Join us as we discuss a staff-led patient experience workshop that emphasized strategies to improve communication, empathy, the use of available technology, and overall patient engagement through interactive sessions, role-playing scenarios, and evidence-based techniques tailored to common and challenging patient/family interactions.
Session Track: QI

Presenters: Miriam Crandall, BSN, RN, SANE-P
Session Description: Very few pediatric trauma centers have forensic programs dedicated to caring for victims of violent crimes, outside of physical abuse and sexual assault. The learner will report increased knowledge of protocol implementation regarding the collection and preservation of ballistic evidence based upon this presentation.
Session Track: Evidence-based Pracice (EBP)

Presenters: Jolene Knapp, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CPN
Session Description: An interdisciplinary project empowering nursing staff to take control of their safety during escalating situations with patients and families. Workplace violence is on the rise across the nation; children with cancer are a vulnerable population where caregivers are at risk for anxiety and difficulty coping. Creating a safe and healing environment for children with cancer is of utmost importance to hospital leadership. The safety of patients and staff was explored in this training for nurses.
Session Track: Education

Presenters: Alison Kell, MSN, RN, CCRN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC
Session Description: Learn to identify how to create recognition opportunities that enhance production of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin to form meaningful nursing bonds that improve retention, engagement and satisfaction.
Session Track: Leadership & Management