Unit Description: When not involved in a critical transport, nurses are available to assist with the care of pediatric patients in the emergency department and pediatric units.

Patient Population: Critically ill premature neonates, infants, and children under the age of 9 from referral centers throughout Iowa and neighboring states.

Unit Information: A variety of shift options including 12 and 24 hour shifts. Certification in Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Pediatric Life Support (APLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) is required. A minimum of 2-years critical care experience in a level III NICU or PICU. Orientation consists of 6-8 weeks in NICU and/or PICU, depending on experience, prior to 6-8 week orientation with transport team members. Transport nurses perform stabilization procedures including resuscitation, intubation, IV insertion, central line placement, thoracentesis, and medical management for critically ill children up to age 9 in the Mobile Critical Care Unit or AirCare helicopter. Neo/peds nurses enjoy a strong working relationship with neonatal and pediatric intensivists. The team collaborates with multiple units on QI projects with a main focus on emergent cares and response time. Team members have many opportunities to be role models and educate referral centers, pediatric units, the pediatric residency program, and assist with pediatric education for paramedic and EMT courses. The transport nurses consistently face challenges and are rewarded by great patient outcomes.

The team transports about 450 sick infants and children per year, 50% by helicopter, and 50% by ground. The team has the ability to provide thermoregulation, ventilatory assistance, blood gas analysis, nitric oxide and highly skilled care to sick children during transport. Convalescing babies are returned to local hospitals by team members or adjuncts to the team.

Location: Primarily in PICU (7th floor, John Pappajohn Pavilion), NICU (6th floor, John Pappajohn Pavilion), and Emergency Treatment Center.