Pediatric Community

​How often does your hospital require the clinical staff to document behavioral observations of pediatric psychiatric patients in the Emergency Department?

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Jenna Spencer DNP;APRN;CPEN;ACCNS-P
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Baltimore MD
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Hi Jenna,

During the pandemic there was a shortage of licensed personnel (i.e. ED Techs/CNAs). Because of this, there was a shift to utilize unlicensed staff as sitters. Unlicensed staff cannot have access to patient information in the EMR, therefore, sitters do not document patient behaviors in the ED. It is the nurse's responsibility to document when the sitter arrives and leaves and perform and document their routine behavioral health assessments.

I hope this helps!

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Ivelisse Sanchez DNP;APRN
APRN Coordinator for Pediatric Emergency Departments
Advocate Children's Hospital - Oak Lawn
Elmwood Park IL
(630) 933-1602
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