1. Presented by: Invest Joy Cocjin, MSN-CNS, RN
Implementation of an Evidence-Based QI Project to Improve Registered Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes toward Implementation of Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS®)
Presented by: Invest Joy Cocjin, MSN-CNS, RN

2. What is the Purpose? Purpose:
To help enhance bedside nurses’ knowledge and ability to recognize respiratory distress, shock, and cardiac arrest
To provide appropriate life saving interventions within the initial minutes of response until patient is transferred to higher level of care

3. What about PEARS? PEARS Pediatric Emergency Assessment Recognition and
Stabilization

4. Are you sure you have the right one?
What about PEARS cont…
Approved by AHA
Guideline for cardiopulmonary resuscitation & emergency cardiovascular care
Best suited for medical-surgical nurses who infrequently see critically ill children

5. Background Looking forward:
In 2020, ACP relocation to the new Children’s Hospital tower
Greater physical separation between ACP units to PICU unit
Call to have greater skills & competency at managing patients who are decompensating
ACP nurses- continue to provide interventions within the initial minutes they wait for the code team to arrive

6. Study Aim
To assess acute care pediatric unit nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of their ability to effectively recognize and manage respiratory distress, shock and cardiac arrest, within the initial minutes of response until the child is transferred to a pediatric intensive care unit setting

7. Method
Talk about process: 1 yr prior, before PEARS class was implemented (gave PALS survey)
PEARS survey: given after 1 yr class has been taken

8. PALS Survey
PEARS Survey
AVG yrs

9. PALS Survey
PEARS Survey
Average yrs as ACP= 9.346

10. PALS Survey
PEARS Survey

11. PALS Survey
Statistically significant- proficiency decrease as time progressed
ANNOVA test

12. Currently still collecting data as PEARS’ deadline requirement is by December 2018.
PEARS Survey

13. Discussion
PEARS vs. PALS: 2 years to complete (transitioning people from PALS to PEARS)
Everyone must be PEARS certified by December 2018.
Things to consider:
Staff education- partnership with Life Support Education

14. References
Bultas, M. W., Hassler, M., Ercole, P. M., & Rea, G. (2014). Effectiveness of High-Fidelity Simulation For Pediatric Staff Nurse Education. Pediatric Nursing, 40(1),
Famolare, N., & Romano, J. C. (2013). The Implementation of PEARS Training: Supporting Nurses in Non-Critical Care Settings to Improve Patient Outcomes. Journal Of Pediatric Nursing, 28(3), doi: /j.pedn
Ralston, M. E., & Zaritsky, A. L. (2009). New Opportunity to Improve Pediatric Emergency Preparedness: Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization Course. Pediatrics, 123(2), doi: /peds

15. Any comments, questions?