Ideas for in service on general peds floor

[icechick, RN]

I am currently doing my leadership rotation at a pediatric hospital & need to plan an in service for the nurses on my floor. Trying to get some ideas on what peds nurses are interested in learning about or what positive changes can be implemented. The nurses on the floor don't have any ideas for me because they really don't want to listen to another nursing student talk to them about proper handwashing technique! We should be thinking along the lines of safety, pt education or satisfaction. Any ideas would be most welcome!

[TeleRN44]

You're completely right! It can be quite difficult to come up with an engaging topic to present to the floor nurses, who truly may not want to sit through yet another student nurse presentation.

However, as idealistic as student nurses may come across, the simple truth is we are a new set of eyes and may see things that they have grown accustom to seeing or doing on their floor...involving both the positive and negative aspects of the day-to-day care of their patients.

That said, you asked for suggestions: I remember during my peds rotation there was an emphasis on age appropriate activities for the patients as a means to engage them or distract them. Another idea involves patient education- because some of these floors can have a wide range of ages (from 5 years old to older teens) perhaps having a variety of handouts not just for the parents but for the kids...and written by OTHER kids might help them understand a little better what is going on with them (especially some of the kids with newly diagnosed chronic issues). I know sometimes we speak to parents and give the kids a quick run-down...but maybe something of their own would be beneficial, in their own, age-appropriate language (like I said...maybe written by another kid because an adult trying to write stuff like that for a kid's level would probably not be all that convincing...).

Sorry...that's all I really have. Peds isn't really my thing but I love teaching! Best of luck to you! :)

[SlyckRN]

Oh my lord if I happen to hear another inservice on handwashing I will probably scream! That and the need for peds patients to get shots. How about ideas on how to cure boredom in ped patients. When they don't have family there, they often need entertainment due to short attention spans. Proper age materiel, health snacks for certain types of illnesses, or activites that are possible in a hospital setting.

[BluegrassRN]

Why don't you do an inservice that provides info that we nurses actually don't know?

I would like some information on how technology could improve my practice and make my life better. What are the best phone apps out there for drug information, disease info, lab values, etc? What are the best, most reliable, thorough sites for patient education? What sites/podcats/blogs are available on the internet for nurses to expand their knowledge and improve their practice? What are some of the best online journals? That sort of thing.

[icechick, RN]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I appreciate the help.