Children present unique medical challenges distinct from adults, underscoring the necessity for healthcare providers, including physicians and nurses, to possess specialized knowledge of pediatric-specific illnesses and conditions. Biologically and medically speaking, children are not “little adults.” Therefore, it is essential for nurses treating children to be knowledgeable and experienced regarding illnesses that are specific to or common in children. Treating emergency pediatric cases demands a blend of emergency and pediatric expertise, as it spans the diverse age range from neonates to adolescents, broadening the scope of pediatric nursing beyond conventional perceptions.
Pediatric emergency nursing is unique because its nurses are exposed to diverse conditions not typically seen in other care areas. The variety of patients and rare conditions encountered makes pediatric emergency nursing a true specialty. Most emergency room cases are related to trauma and injury, which means nurses must be fast on their feet and act quickly to contain life-threatening situations. Even with illness-bound cases, an ER visit would accelerate a problem requiring special training to solve immediate issues on the spot. From sore throats and fevers to significant trauma and heart attacks, pediatric emergency nurses are well-trained.
If you are drawn to both pediatrics and emergency room nursing, pediatric emergency room nursing may be the perfect job for you, and an Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) provides the foundational skills needed to make you comfortable handling the myriad of situations that may arise. Established in 1983 by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), ENPC was specifically developed to address the need for specialized training in pediatric emergency nursing and has since become a widely recognized certification program for nurses working in emergency care settings.
ENPC is considered one of the best certifications for application at the bedside for several reasons:
Specialized Pediatric Focus: ENPC is designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality emergency care to pediatric patients. Pediatric emergencies require a unique approach due to differences in anatomy, physiology, and psychological needs compared to adults.
Evidence-Based Curriculum: ENPC is built upon evidence-based practices and the latest clinical guidelines for pediatric emergency care. Nurses who complete ENPC training are well-versed in current best practices, ensuring that their care is up-to-date and aligned with industry standards.
Comprehensive Training: ENPC covers a wide range of topics relevant to pediatric emergency nursing, including assessment, resuscitation, trauma care, pharmacology, and psychosocial considerations. This comprehensive training prepares nurses to handle diverse pediatric emergencies confidently and effectively.
Hands-on Skills Development: ENPC incorporates hands-on skills stations and simulation scenarios, allowing nurses to practice critical skills such as pediatric airway management, IV access, and medication administration in a safe learning environment. This practical experience enhances nurses' competence and confidence in managing pediatric emergencies at the bedside.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: ENPC emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in pediatric emergency care. Nurses learn to effectively communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and child life specialists, to optimize patient outcomes.
ACLS Academy’s ENPC is an 18-hour course designed to provide core-level pediatric knowledge and psychomotor skills needed to care for pediatric patients in the emergency setting. The course presents a systematic assessment model, integrates anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, and identifies appropriate interventions. The course allows participants to strengthen and develop their pediatric emergency nursing skills while expanding their personal growth by collaborating with nurses from various practice settings. ENPC brings together participants from multiple emergency department settings and nurses in other nursing specialties. Course materials include the 5th Edition with added content on dermatologic and environmental emergencies, human trafficking, and food allergies; it will be an excellent resource for you even after completing the course.
Course content covers:
Early patient assessment
Systematic assessment of the pediatric patient
Pediatric pathophysiology
Pediatric triage
Early interventions
Family presence
Pediatric care from birth through the teenage years
The course is taught using a variety of formats, including online modules, live simulations, patient experience videos, and instructor-led classroom discussions and skills stations that encourage participants to integrate their psychomotor abilities into a patient situation in a risk-free setting. Upon successful course completion, you will receive a 4-year, internationally recognized verification as an ENPC provider and earn 18.25 contact hours of CNE. Sign up for an ACLS Academy ENPC course today.