OasisLMS

Description:

The panelists will explore practical strategies and real-world experiences from centers working to improve pediatric readiness. Panelists will share best practices for developing essential policies, engaging and educating staff, and securing dedicated pediatric readiness personnel—even in adult-focused centers. The discussion will also cover effective methods for conducting pediatric disaster drills and mock codes, fostering collaboration between ED and Trauma teams, and identifying physician champions. Attendees will gain actionable insights and tips that have significantly improved readiness scores, with a focus on what truly makes a difference.

Objectives: 

• Identify best practices for developing essential policies to support pediatric readiness.
• Describe effective strategies for collaboration between Emergency Department (ED) and Trauma teams to enhance pediatric readiness within their center.
• Discuss approaches implemented by other centers to improve their pediatric readiness scores.

Moderator: Dr. Kim Wallenstein
Presenter: Mary Cottrell, Kim Howard & Lora Hofstetter 

Bio: 

Kim Denzik, MSN, RN, is the director of the UofL Health – UofL Hospital – J. David Richardson Trauma Institute. Kim began her nursing career in 1996 at UofL Hospital as a trauma ICU nurse. Kim has worked at UofL Hospital in various roles including house supervisor, clinical manager and Emergency Department nurse. Kim is very passionate about trauma care and proud of UofL Hospital for the trauma resources it provides to the community and surrounding regions. Kim graduated with her master’s degree in 2017 and enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, especially her grandson.

Beth Cottrell MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN

I completed my BSN at Indiana State University in 2016 and my MSN at Northern Kentucky University in 2021.  I have been a nurse for a little over 9 years including Emergency Medicine and Flight / Transport specialties.  During that time, I obtained my TCRN, CEN, and CFRN certifications.  I love working for UofL Hospital and love to see it grow and change over the many years that we have been providing safe, quality, evidence-based care.

Lora Hofstetter

With over 20 years of experience in pediatric critical care and nearly a decade as a neonatal pediatric flight nurse, Lora Hofstetter brings extensive clinical and leadership expertise to her role as Pediatric Trauma Program Coordinator at Nebraska Medicine. She holds a master’s in nursing education and is nationally certified as a CCRN and C-NPT. Passionate about education and mentorship, Lora has led orientation and training programs for flight teams and recently revised curriculum for Nebraska Medicine’s Trauma Nurse Specialist course. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering healthcare providers and advancing excellence in pediatric care.