Pediatric Nursing Conference Marks 25th Anniversary

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 18 Aug 2009 - 0:00 PST

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More than 230 pediatric nurses gathered for the 25th Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference, June 25-27, 2009, in Orlando, FL. Attendees celebrated the 25th anniversary of the conference, sponsored by Pediatric Nursing journal, and enhanced their knowledge and skills at the point of care.

The conference featured four tracks: Physical Assessment and Laboratory Interpretation, Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Leadership at the Point of Care, and Clinical Potpourri. Attendees had opportunities to complete an intensive learning experience in one track or custom-design their own program by mixing and matching different areas. Topics included:

- Sharpening pediatric laboratory interpretation skills
- Keeping patients safe from medication-related errors
- Alternative techniques to sedating patients for CT scans
- Diagnosing and treating autism; current research findings
- Improving teamwork and communication in pediatric emergencies
- Assessing diabetes risk in obese children
- Reducing and preventing accidents and injuries on the way to school

On Thursday, June 25, Andi Wasdovich, MSHA, BSN, BA, RN, presented the well-received Opening General Session, "Nursing Excellence: Lessons Learned from Nightingale and Disney." Wasdovich explored characteristics that Walt Disney and Florence Nightingale share as role modes for creative thinking.

On Friday, June 26, esteemed nursing leader and author Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, FAAN, presented a general session on "Evidence-Based Practice." Dr. Melnyk discussed ways pediatric nurses can give patients the most authentic care possible while fulfilling their role as best-practice advocates.

Participants also networked with colleagues, attended special events, viewed research and clinical posters and explored the latest products and services available in the exhibit hall.

Pediatric Nursing 2010 Conference

The 26th Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference will be held July 16-18, 2010, at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott in Philadelphia, PA. Oral abstracts on topics related to caring for pediatric patients are now being accepted. The Call for Oral Abstracts is available on the Pediatric Nursing Web site.

Source
Pediatric Nursing