Same place, different experience: nurses and residents on pediatric emergency transport

A questionnaire was mailed to nurse transport coordinators at the 76 United States pediatric training programs listing 35 pediatric residents or more, and a related but different questionnaire was mailed to chief pediatric residents at the same centers. Comparisons of responses to a series of questions on the role of the nurse on transport suggest that the pediatric emergency transport team offers an excellent opportunity to implement collaborative practice strategies between nurses and residents. Both groups stated the value of professional discussion and consultation to derive mutually satisfactory resolutions to patient care issues. Physician respondents indicated a genuine respect for the nurses' skill and expanded role in the care of critically ill children during transport. The transport experience offers a window of opportunity for nurses and physicians interested in developing research and practice models aimed at fostering collaboration between nurses and physicians-in-training.