Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Development of a Physician Assistant Orientation Program in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Susannah Jenkins1,2,3, Pavan Zaveri1,2,3, Xian Zhao1,2,3
1Susannah Jenkins, MPAS, PA-C, is an assistant professor for the Department of PA Studies, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, and the director of physician assistant student education, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
Introduction:
The role of physician assistants (PAs) in the care of emergency department (ED) patients has been expanding in recent years. However, little is known about how PAs are prepared to practice in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM), and there is no published literature on how to train PAs in independently managing low-acuity visits in the pediatric emergency department (PED).
Methods:
We created a preorientation, orientation, and postorientation program for PAs who are onboarding in the PED at a large, free-standing pediatric acute care hospital. We implemented an evaluation system that assessed readiness for independent practice based on number and type of patients seen as well as supervising physicians' feedback.
Results:
On average, PAs took care of 877 patients over the course of their first year of employment at the hospital before achieving readiness for independent practice. Most PAs were deemed ready to see low-acuity patients without direct supervision by PEM attendings during their third or fourth quarter of employment.
Discussion:
The successful implementation of a 12-month curriculum and individualized feedback allowed our PED to prepare PAs for independent management of the low-acuity PED patient.
More Related Videos
09:52Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
06:59A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Methods of Documentation II: POMR
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Healthcare Agencies II
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources,...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management