Professional accomplishments
Nurses at Children's Memorial are frequently invited to present their knowledge, clinical expertise, and research findings at conferences. Nurses also contribute to the nursing profession by engaging in research activities and publishing articles. Two internal grant programs, the Prince Sabbatical and Shaw Grants in Nursing Research, are available for funding nursing research. In addition, there is a full-time nurse researcher who mentors staff nurses in the research process.
2009 Prince Scholar & Sabbatical Grant Recipients
Prince Scholars
Andrea Kline, MS, RN, CPNP-AC/PC, FCCM, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
“Making a Difference in Children’s Health Care: NAPNAP Fly-In to Capital Hill” – The purpose of this proposal is to attend a national conference on the legislative process and to develop skills to influence policy change in order to shape the future of pediatric health care. The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) will be hosting a program in conjunction with their Washington Representatives from Arnold and Porter, LLC to provide Pediatric Nurse Practitioners with an overview of the legislative process and review of current legislation affecting pediatric health care. Tools and key talking points to efficiently and effectively communicate with legislators and their staff regarding pertinent issues facing child health care in America will be discussed. Congressional appointments will be made for each attendee to address current legislative issues with state and national legislators. Specific topics that will be addressed with legislators include increasing funding for State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), strategies to combat the pediatric obesity epidemic, and engaging nurse practitioners in the medical home act. The foundation for ongoing communication with legislators and their staff regarding pertinent health care issues will be established during this experience.
Ann Marie Simonelli, MSN, NNP, RNC, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit “Fragile Infant Feeding Institute" – The purpose of this proposal is to attend the Fragile Infant Feeding Institute sponsored by USF Health to learn new approaches to feeding infants with neuron-developmental alternations. Ann Marie is currently a member of the NICU Feeding Taskforce, which is looking into reviewing and enhancing current feeding assessment tools and practices. Information gained by attending this Institute will be shared and incorporated into the work of this task force.
Casey O’Brien, BSN, RN, CPN, Clinical & Organizational Development “Simulation: An Effective Strategy to Highlight Patient Safety and Critical Thinking for the New Graduate Nurse” – This proposal will support the presentation of a poster that shares the survey results that assesses the effectiveness of simulation in supporting the development of critical thinking skills in new graduate nurses at the 19th Annual Society of Pediatric Nurses Convention in Atlanta in April 2009. Attendance at the conference will also provide opportunities to network with other nurse leaders and learn from pediatric experts.
Sandra VanLeeuwen, BSN, RN, CPOHN, Hematology/Oncology “Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference Paper Presentation” – This proposal will support the paper presentation, “Neuro-protective Effects of Dietary Curcumin in Cerebral Ischemia,” at the MNRS Annual Conference in Minneapolis in March 2009. It is hoped that findings from this research will contribute to therapeutic interventions that address the devastating effects of post cerebral ischemia experienced by children who have survived head trauma, systemic sepsis, and chemotherapeutic/radiation toxicities secondary to brain tumors.
Sabbaticals
Petrina Jensen, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit “NICU Breastfeeding Counselor Certification Program” – The purpose of this proposal is to provide an opportunity for 15-20 NICU nurses to attend a 2-day Breastfeeding Counselor Certification program and then serve as members of the Breastfeeding Education and Support Task Force at Children's Memorial. As members of the taskforce they will support new moms as they learn to breastfeed, develop breastfeeding protocols and serve as mentors for other health care providers/staff.
Mary Ward, MSN, RN, 7 West, and Renee Plendl, BSN, RN, CPN, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry “Education and Programming for the Providers of 1:1 Patient Supervision” – This sabbatical will provide support for the development of education and standardization of role responsibilities for staff members serving in 1:1 patient care supervision. A four-hour inservice will be developed and provided to nursing assistance to help them better understand and fullfill this role when assigned.
Publications: September 2007- 2008
Susan Porfyris, MSN, RN, PCCNP, Anesthesia Pain Service
Suresh S, Wang S, Porfyris S, Kamasinski-Sol R, Steinhorn D (2008) “Massage Therapy In Outpatient Pediatric Chronic Pain Patients: Do They Facilitate Significant Reductions In Levels Of Distress, Pain, Tension, Discomfort and Mood Alterations,”. Paediatr Anaesth 18 (9):884-7.
Suresh S, Patel A, Porfyris S, Ryee M (2008) “Ultrasound-guided serial ilioinguinal nerve blocks for management of chronic groin pain secondary to ilioinguinal neuralgia in adolescents,” Pediatric Anesthesia 18 (8): 775–778.
Cindy Budek, MSN, RN, CPNP - AC/PC
Noah ZL,
Budek CA (2007) “Acute care for the chronically ventilated child,” Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 8, pp.203-211.
Susan M. Kelly, BSN, RN
Whitington, P. F., Kelly S. (2008) “Outcome of Pregnancies at Risk for Neonatal Hemochromatosis Is Improved by Treatment With High-Dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin ,” Pediatrics 121(6):e1615-21
Cindy Kerr, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC/PC
Kerr, C. (2008). “What goes in must come out,” Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 22(1), 44-48.
Brynn Dechert, MSN, RN, CPNP
Dechert, B. (July/August 2008) “An Integrated Approach to the Care of Adult Patients with Prior Atriopulmonary Fontan Surgery,” Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 22(4), 246-253.
Dawn Diaz-Saldano, MSN, RN, CPNP
Saldano, D.D., Chaviano, AH, Maizels, M, Yerkes, EB, Cheng, EY, Losavio, J, Porten, SP, Sullivan, C, Zebold, KF, Hagerty, J, & Kaplan, WE. (2007). “Office management of pediatric primary nocturnal enuresis: A comparison of physician advised and parent chosen alternative treatment outcomes,” Journal of Urology, 178, pp. 1758-1762
Elaine Graf, PhD, RN, NE-BC
Graf, E. (2008). Pediatric fall risk assessment & classification: Two hallmarks for a successful inpatient fall prevention program, Society of Pediatric Nursing SPN News, 17(2), 3-5.
Diana Halfer, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Elaine Graf, PhD, RN, NE-BC Halfer, D., Graf, E. & Sullivan, C.(2008). “The Organizational Impact of a New Graduate Pediatric Nurse Mentoring Program;” Nursing Economic$, 26(4), 243-249.
Michelle Harris, MSN, RN
Mascola, L.; Terashita,D.; Salzman, MB; Schnurr, D; Yagi, S; Padilla, T; Verma, N; Zheng, X; Shulman, ST; Harris, M; Gibson, R; Funk, E; Schmidt, T; Robinson, C; Burns, JP; Khetsuriani, N; Oberste, S; Pallansch, M; Fowlkes, A; Wikswo, M & Sircar, K. (2008, May 23). “Increased Detections and Severe Neonatal Disease Associated with Coxsackievirus B1 Infection--- United States, 2007,” MMWR Weekly:57(20), 553-556
Harriet Hawkins, RN, CCRN, FCCM
Co authored as member of EMSC Prehospital committee, the Illinois EMSC Pediatric Prehospital Protocols, published October 2007 by the Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children (IEMSC), www.iush,org/emsc Hawkins, H. (2008). “Intraosseous Needle: Care & Management”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1082-1088 Hawkins, H. (2008). “Intraosseous Needle Placement: Perform”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp. 1143-1149
Andrea Kline, MS, RN, PCCNP, CCRN, FCCM
Kline, AM. (2008). “Unit X Editor: Vascular Access”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc.,pp. 1023-1158. Kline, AM. (2008). “Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) System: Management of Negative Pressure Therapy”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.963-971 Kline, AM. (2008). “Arterial Puncture: Perform”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1128-1133
Kline, AM. (2008).”Pediatric Obesity in Acute and Critical Care,” Advanced Critical Care. 19(1), 38-46.
Kelly A. Lankin, BSN, RN, CCRN
Lankin, KA. (2008). “Central Venous Non-tunneled Catheter: Insertion Assist”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1048-1054. Lankin, KA. (2008). “Central Venous Non-tunneled Catheter: Central Venous Pressure Monitoring”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1063-1068
Sarah Martin, MS, RN CPNP-PC/AC, CCRN
Martin, SA. (2008). “Unit XI Editor: Medication Administration”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1159-1235 Martin, SA. (2008). “Oral Medication”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp. 1216-1220.
Laura Meuer, BSN, MBA, RN
Tom Schubnell, MSN, MBA, RN
R. Bengtson, L. Meuer, T. Schubnell (2008). Improving Surgical Services Performance through Changing Work Culture. AORN Journal, 87(3), 575-583.
Theresa Meyer, MS, RN, CPN
Macejko AM, Cheng EY, Yerkes EB, Meyer T, Bowman RM, Kaplan WE. Clinical urological outcomes following primary tethered cord release in children younger than 3 years. Journal of Urology. 2007 Oct. 178:1738-1743.
Chaviano AH, Maizels M, Yerkes EB, Cheng EY, Hagerty J, Meyer T, Kaplan WE. Incidence based fetal urological counseling using the virtual pediatric urology registry: importance of insignificant fetal pyelectasis (Sonographically evident renal pelvis). Journal of Urology. 2007 Oct. 178: 1781-1785.
Mary Lynn Rae-Zahradnik, BS, BSN, RN, CPON
Rae-Zahradnik, M.L. (2008) “Chemotherapy Agents and Biotherapy,” chapter editor for Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Curriculum CD.
Suzanne Porfyris, MSN, RN, PCCNP
Porfyris, S. (2008). “Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Irrigation”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.822-825 Porfyris, S. (2008). “Indwelling Urinary Catheter: Urinalysis Collection”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp826-829 Suresh S, Wang S, Porfyris S, Kamasinski-Sol R, Steinhorn, (2008). “Massage Therapy In Outpatient Pediatric Chronic Pain Patients: Do They Facilitate Significant Reductions In Levels Of Distress, Pain, Tension, Discomfort and Mood Alterations,” Paediatr Anaesth 18 (9):884-7.Suresh S, Patel A, Porfyris S, Ryee M (2008). “Ultrasound-guided serial ilioinguinal nerve blocks for management of chronic groin pain secondary to ilioinguinal neuralgia in adolescents,” Pediatric Anesthesia 18 (8): 775–778.
Elizabeth M. Preze, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC
Preze, EM. (2008). “Intravenous Medication: Drip Method”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1195-1200 Preze, EM. (2008). “Intravenous Medication: Syringe Pump Method”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1206-1210
Michelle Stephenson, DNP, RN
Stephenson, M.M. (2007). “Outcomes of an acuity-adaptable pilot program,” Advance for Nurses, 5(20), 23-24.
Lauren Sorce, MSN, RN, CPNP –AC/PC, CCRN, FCCM
Sorce, L. (2008). “Unit IX Editor: Fluid and Electrolyte Management”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp 987-1022 Sorce, L. (2008). “Hydration and Rehydration: Fluid Calculations”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp. 1010-1017
Stacy VandenBranden, RN, MSN, CPNP, NAECB
VandenBranden, S. (2007, November) “Characteristic changes in lung function decline from adolescence to young adulthood,” Pediatric Pulmonology, Supplement 30.
VandenBranden SL. (2008) “Antibiotics: Ammunition in the Battle to Maintain Lung Health in CF,” CF Center News, Children’s Memorial Hospital/Northwestern University. Vol 17
Linda Van Roeyen, MSN, RN, CFNP
Tresa Zielinski, MSN, RN, CPNP Reider-Demer, M, Zielinski, T, Carvajal, S, Anulao, K & Van Roeyen, L (July/August 2008), “When is a pediatric patient no longer a pediatric patient?,” Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 22(4), 267-269
Joyce Weishaar, MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN
Weishaar, J. (2008). “Transfusion Reactions: Management”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp.1018-1022
Tresa C. Zielinski, RN, MS
Zielinski, TC. ( 2008) “Urine Culture: Suprapubic Aspirate”, in Verger, J.T. & Lebet, R.M. (Editors) AACN Procedure Manual for Pediatric Acute and Critical Care, St. Louis: Saunders-Elsevier Inc., pp. 839-843