Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access

Abstract

The Journey of Educational Training from Competency to Proficiency of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses (PICU)

Shaista Taufiq Meghani and Nasreen Sulaiman Lalani

Introduction: PICU is a relatively new medical specialty that has shown a marked growing up around the world over the last three decades. The study was conducted for the first time in tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan on PICU curriculum for residents on basic principles of critical care. However, there is no data and study is available for PICU nurses who are the primary care takers. PICU is one of the specialties which require skilled nurses for early recognition and treatment for critically ill children especially in developing countries to curb pediatric mortality (children under 5 years). Aim: To develop core pediatric competency based module for PICU Nurses and enable them to function competently. Method: To develop the core pediatric competency based module for PICU nurses, I primarily used the data from currently working PICU nurses on the need of clinical teaching and learning. The comprehensive literatures were reviewed, covering the period of 2005 to 2010, using the data bases pubmeds, science direct and journals of pediatrics and medical associations. Result: The practical aspects of this educational project are implemented on PICU nurses including educational sessions, clinical teachings and demonstration especially pediatric respiratory system initially. In post evaluation test 57% nurses scored >80% marks, 29% scored 70-80% and only 14% staff scored between 60-70%. Conclusion: The need of the competent nurse in pediatric critical care specialty with critical thinking skills has to be enhanced that will enable complete patient centered care.