Pediatric Vascular Access Team at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital
August 2023
Pediatric Vascular Access Team
at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital
Tampa
,
FL
United States
Nelson, Molly, RN
Vanderklok, Jennifer, RN
Frate, Katie, RN
Gardiner, Pamela, RN
Velar, Kristina, RN
Waller, Jennifer, RN
Stuka, Lisa, RN
Vanderklok, Jennifer, RN
Frate, Katie, RN
Gardiner, Pamela, RN
Velar, Kristina, RN
Waller, Jennifer, RN
Stuka, Lisa, RN
Where to begin... the day my son was born. We knew before birth we would be spending time in the hospital. We didn't know anything else. From the moment he was born, the team took exceptional care of him, explaining each thing they were doing, why they were doing it, how it helped him, and what outcomes could imply. They comforted us when there were uncertain times. They told us what to expect after surgery. They taught us so much, from how to care for him at home, what each med is used for, how to know if there is an issue, and so much more. They took phenomenal care of our son, and they also cared for us. They made sure we had rest so we could make decisions. They made sure we had food. They made sure we could draw up the meds at home, feed him properly, and so much more. The nurses in the PCICU are caring and compassionate. They love my son like he is their own. They light up when they see him, either in the hospital or just walking the halls. They show kindness and caring with each thing they do. They always ask how they can help me. They have all taken care of my son and myself. We don't like to be admitted, but when we are admitted, we know we will be well loved and cared for. They take care of us like family.
We call it Hotel St. Joe; it has 1-star accommodations but 100-star service and care. We know that when we have to go to the hospital, we go to the PCICU at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. The IV team is there when we need them. While we've had lots of admissions, which means lots of IVs needed, the IV team makes it a little less stressful. They quickly get the IV in and make the whole process less painful. They work together to make it quick and as painless as possible. Their skill is exceptional in how they can do the IV without making it traumatic for the child. Over the years, they have had to poke many times, and we have gotten to know them well. They get excited to see him, and they help ease his anxiety. The IV team is the reason we can make it through our stay with fewer pokes and no infections. They make sure the unit also knows the precautions for each child's individual care.
We call it Hotel St. Joe; it has 1-star accommodations but 100-star service and care. We know that when we have to go to the hospital, we go to the PCICU at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. The IV team is there when we need them. While we've had lots of admissions, which means lots of IVs needed, the IV team makes it a little less stressful. They quickly get the IV in and make the whole process less painful. They work together to make it quick and as painless as possible. Their skill is exceptional in how they can do the IV without making it traumatic for the child. Over the years, they have had to poke many times, and we have gotten to know them well. They get excited to see him, and they help ease his anxiety. The IV team is the reason we can make it through our stay with fewer pokes and no infections. They make sure the unit also knows the precautions for each child's individual care.