Enhancing specialist preparation for the next century

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Pediatric Nursing
• Healthcare Transition

Background:

• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs have historically met specialty population needs.
• Increased survival of technologically dependent children with complex disabilities presents new challenges.
• Access to educational, health, and social services for these children has become more difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current pediatric CNS curriculum based on graduate and employer feedback.
• To identify necessary changes in pediatric CNS education to meet evolving healthcare demands.
• To propose curriculum modifications for future pediatric CNS training.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to graduates of a pediatric CNS program and their employers.
• The Family-Focused Pediatric Transitional Care (FFPTC) conceptual model was used for data interpretation.
• Feedback was analyzed to inform recommendations for curriculum enhancement.

Main Results:

• Current pediatric CNS curricula require adaptation to address the complex needs of surviving technology-dependent children.
• Graduates and employers highlighted the growing importance of advanced clinical decision-making skills.
• Effective care coordination across hospital, community, and home settings is a critical competency.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric CNS educational programs must evolve to prepare specialists for the complexities of modern pediatric care.
• Curricula should emphasize advanced clinical decision-making and seamless care transition strategies.
• Future training should equip CNSs with skills to navigate fragmented service systems for children with disabilities.