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Recent Health Trends That Affect Pediatric Nursing Careers
Pediatric nursing is a highly unique and incredibly rewarding career. Along with the obvious job requirements – education, a pediatric advanced life support course and certification – familiarizing yourself with the recent health and treatment trends can help you be more marketable when job searching as well as more knowledgeable overall.
Increase in Pediatric Nursing Information Online
Where parents once turned to family members, nurses or doctors for medical advice and information, they now turn to the Internet. The vast array of information readily available online makes it easy for parents to get answers about infant behaviors, rashes or illnesses. However, it's important to remind parents to be wary of information, as anyone is able to post to the Internet, thus making them an instant "expert" on subjects in which they might not be knowledgeable. Medical professionals schooled in pediatric nursing, etc., are still the most reliable sources concerning infant and child health.
Decrease in Infant Mortality Rates
Thanks in large part to advancements in science and technology; along with improvements in educating parents-to-be, the number of infant mortalities has decreased. In 2000, the infant mortality rate was 6.89 per 1,000 live births; this number has since dropped to 6.06 per 1,000 live births (estimated 2011).
Youth Sports Injuries on the Rise
Children 5 to 24 years old sustain more than half of the 7 million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur annually in the United States. And the majority of these injuries are seen in emergency departments across the country. Because pediatric nurses may treat children anywhere from infancy to adolescence, it's important to understand some vital pediatric nursing information related to youth sports injuries:
- Contact sports such as football and hockey increase the risk for head injuries and concussions.
- Gymnastics increases the risk for back injuries from tumbling and the continued arching of the lower spine.
- Throwing athletes such as baseball pitchers and football quarterbacks are at an increased risk for shoulder and elbow injuries.
More Information on Recent Health Trends
Consider reaching out to a hospital or medial office in your area to find out what they've been seeing recently in pediatric nursing. California, Nebraska or Texas, it doesn't matter where you're based, Health Ed Solutions has a myriad of resources to offer nationally. From articles and information to online ACLS, BLS and PALS classes for certification and recertification, the tools you need to advance your career or get started are readily available.
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