A new virtual course to assist in cross-training non-pediatric nurses so they can help colleagues manage the surge in severe respiratory cases in children is now available for free from the Children's Hospital Association and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
"Care of the Acutely Ill Pediatric Patient Respiratory Bundle" is an online course designed to help cross-train clinicians to help pediatric hospitals handle the increased patient load of children presenting with RSV, flu and other respiratory illnesses. The nursing shortage is causing hospitals to scramble to staff pediatric units.
"Nurses who don't typically care for pediatric patients with complex needs are being asked to handle the influx of sick children," said Devin Bowers, MSN, RN, practice excellence director at AACN. "In just a few hours, nurses can refresh or learn new knowledge to support cross training efforts. This course offers the latest information they need to provide care for these young and vulnerable patients."
The course, accessible at no charge until March 31, will teach nurses and other clinicians pediatric airway management/respiratory support, weight-based medication dosing, pediatric caregiver support and pediatric codes. Register for the four-part course here.
All clinicians who complete the course will earn nine continuing nursing education hours, according to the AACN.