Pediatric Special Interest Group (SIG)

Mission Statement

To support the advancement of optimal outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing solid organ transplantation through networking and international collaboration.

Vision

The Pediatric SIG provides a forum for pediatric transplant nurses to interact with one another, to exchange information related to pediatric solid organ transplantation and to build collegial relationships with colleagues internationally.

Nursing care of the hospitalized pediatric transplant patient is guided by the nursing process and evidence base practice.  Clinical expertise, education, communication, international collaboration, research and advocacy are the mechanisms used to ensure the delivery of safe and quality nursing care.

Goals

Education

• Develop evidence-based education programs related to the needs of the pediatric patient undergoing solid organ transplantation.
• Create educational materials to meet the needs of the membership.
• Disseminate pertinent information regarding pediatric transplantation at local, national and international scientific conferences.
• Create forums for the dissemination of information (e.g. webinars, teleconference, etc.)
• Promote certification relevant to pediatric transplant nursing.
• Serve in an advisory role for all members of the ITNS.
• Act as a resource for pediatric transplantation internationally.

Research

• Encourage and supports evidence based research in pediatric solid organ transplantation.
• Serves as a resource for colleagues through networking and consultation.
• Share research findings with colleagues by means of writing and publishing, presenting information at conferences and poster sessions.

Activity and Project Ideas

• Create an area on the ITNS web site related to pediatrics.
• Identify information currently available regarding pediatric solid organ transplantation (e.g. growth and development, a list of  immunizations for all pediatric patients, a list of immunizations for specific organ transplants, how to care for CVL; standardized lab tests for specific organ transplants, etc.), and make this available to the SIG membership through online bibliographies, web site links, and newsletters.
• Identify information regarding complementary /alterative therapies for pediatric transplant patients.
• Develop a link to organizations related to transplantations.
• Develop a link to other organizations such as the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA).  Develop a calendar of events related to pediatric transplant meetings / conferences throughout the world and post on the ITNS Pediatric SIG web page.

Respectfully Submitted,

Stella Harrington, RN, BSN, CNOR
Judy Thomas, RN, BSN

Co-Chairs

Stella Harrington
Email:  Stella.Harrington@childrens.harvard.edu

Judy Thomas  
Email:   JThomas@nebraskamed.com