Pediatric Advocacy and Outreach at Greater Regional Health(GRH)

J. E., BSN RN

 

During my employment with Greater Regional Health (GRH), I have seen deficits in how we are perceived, not only by the community, but also by our own staff regarding the care of pediatric patients. I believe that with a dedicated Advocacy and Outreach Program, we could become renowned experts in pediatric care for the Creston area and surrounding rural communities.

 

Community agencies/groups that have some pediatric involvement:​

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• Union County Public Health (housed in the GRH Highway Medical Clinic)

• Family Medicine Clinic at GRH

• Pediatric Clinic at GRH

• Southwestern Community College (SWCC)

• Matura Action Corporation

• Creston Community Schools​

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These agencies provide pieces of what could be a cohesive whole if the services were coordinated. These entities may not even be aware of each other or what services may be available. Because there is no strong, central program, education about pediatric issues is lacking in schools, clinics, hospitals and in the community in general.​

 

The importance of adding Pediatric Advocacy and Outreach at GRH

 

I feel strongly that we should be providing a local center of excellence for our families with children. Our community members should not have to drive to Blank Childrens Hospital, Omaha Children’s or The University of Iowa. They should be able to receive the care and support they need here in Creston.

 

Each of the three hospital systems mentioned above has a program for Pediatric Advocacy and Outreach. They cover large areas, but their resources can be stretched too thin. GRH is far enough away from all three that it would help immensely to start a new program in this section of the state.  

 

What could a Registered Nurse do in this position?

 

I believe that if GRH had a Registered Nurse who could become a strong advocate for kids and families in the surrounding community, everyone would benefit.

• GRH would be perceived as a leader in Pediatric care.

• GRH would become a magnet for parents, who would feel comfortable bringing their kids to us and therefore develop long-term, trusting relationships.

• The RN could be a liaison between hospital and clinic staff, other agencies, schools and families.

• The RN would increase visibility of GRH through education to the surrounding communities including seminars, monthly newsletters and support of already-established events.

• The RN would present educational opportunities for hospital and clinic staff to increase their comfort level with treating Pediatric patients.

• The RN would provide face-to-face care in Creston and rural clinics.

• The RN would work on policies and procedures to improve the care of newborns and pediatric patients.

• The RN would work to promote (through advertising) GRH’s program and all the benefits families could attain.​

 

Four areas of RN focus:

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1. Add essential programs at GRH

• Make GRH a certified Safe Sleep Hospital

• Start a Dolly Parton Imagination Library program

• Host a Kids’ Day Camp to promote healthy lifestyles

• Host classes and equipment checks that are open to the public                 

**Biannual car seat checks

**Infant Care Classes

**Breastfeeding Classes

**Child/Infant CPR for parents

**Safe Sitter Classes

**Comprehensive Safety Classes: bike, fire, ATV/UTV, water, farm, lawnmower and gun safety

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2. Present education for GRH staff and providers with the overall goal of increasing their comfort level in managing pediatric patients:·      

• Simulations and Nurse Camp (working with Taylor Miller)

• Monthly newsletters to promote the development of safety and health for children in our community

• Ways to promote oral health during well-child visits      

• Car seat certification classes    

• Outreach and Advocacy classes with support from Blank Children’s Hospital

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3. Develop partnerships with already-established programs:  

• Partner with Public Health to promote vaccine education and schedules     Establish a coalition with Safe Kids Greater Des Moines    

• Collaborate with Blank Pediatric Outreach to host educational opportunities     Partner with Trisha to host breastfeeding classes    

• Partner with WIC/Matura to make sure kids have primary care physicians

•  Partner with the school system to create an Annual Bike Rodeo

 

4. Provide community education & support for school nurses, patients and families:    

• Travel to rural clinics to create a visible GRH presence and offer support with breast feeding, car seats, bike helmets, safety concerns and any topics of interest.      

• Be available to consult with school nurses on a variety of topics that pertain to the students they care for.

 

Expertise and talent already available at GRH

 

C. S., MD, head of our Pediatric Clinic here at GRH was instrumental in establishing the Advocacy and Outreach program at Blank Children’s Hospital. With her knowledge, experience and support, I believe we can create a similar program here on a smaller scale.​

 

My familiarity of the Creston Community is extensive. I grew up around the public health world: helping with car seat drives, flu shot clinics, sports physical days, running booths at different events, speaking to high school students regarding the health care field, planning and building floats for parades, helping with the county fair.  ​

 

I am a Registered Nurse and have worked with Dr. S. in our Pediatric Clinic for several years. In this capacity I have gained valuable knowledge about the specialized needs of Pediatric patients. I am passionate not only about caring for kids and their families, but about helping to put GRH on the forefront of State-of-the-Art Pediatric care. I believe I would be the ideal candidate to establish a Pediatric Advocacy and Outreach Program at Greater Regional Health.