[kessadawn]

I have just accepted a nursing educator position in pediatrics at our nearby LPN school. I work peds currently, in PICU, and as an RN in a children's hospital, I don't have a lot of interaction with pediatric LPNs. I have researched my state's scope of practice regarding LPNs in pediatrics, so I am pretty familiar with what is or isn't allowed, and I feel basically prepared for clinicals. I am now trying to come up with a classroom curriculum. Because of the area we live in and the availability of peds jobs, only a very small percentage of these LPN students will likely go on to work in pediatrics, so I need to scale down my info to the neccessities, for those that may go on to ER or clinics with pts of all ages.

So here is my question:

What one thing would you make sure to include in regard to pediatric care for those LPNs that may only run into one or two peds pts a year? I plan on discussing basics regarding airways in the peds pt, developmental milestones, MRCP and myelo pts, common findings in the undiagnosed cardiac pt, the new rise of pertussis, immunizations, maybe touch on DKA...

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[ChristineN]

What about CF? Is that discussed at all in their adult resp lecture? With CF pts living longer, they may see some in an adult facilty.

[rnsrgr8t]

Sickle Cell disease (differences on how we treat adults vs peds etc).
Asthma
In addition to developemental milestones, discuss developement appropriate care (how/why we do things for different age groups)
Are some suggestions I have off of the top of my head.
Good Luck!

[kessadawn]

Thanks! I can't believe I forget about CF. So many of our CF patients are adults and are starting to go to the adult hospitals. I think I could do an entire lecture on milestones and what we do for each age group.

Great ideas, keep em coming please!

[Marysjrfan]

Since nurses are mandated reportes, how about the signs of abuse and things like shaken baby syndrome?

[BSNDec06]

Assessing for trauma and s/s of abuse/neglect
Working with families with limited levels of education and/or limited resources
How to perform a pediatric assessment (aka how to avoid having a two year-old scream in your ear and kick you in the stomach while trying to get vitals)
Immunization schedules
Normal growth and development
Safety in the home and the community
Pediatric medication dosage (by weight, compared to std dosages for adults)

Common pediatric topics: CF, sickle cell, ASTHMA, lead screenings, fractures, ear infections, strep throat, CP (and other forms of developmental delay), behavioral problems such as ADHD, STIs and teen pregnancy (adolescents will surprise you if you sit down and listen!)