Bonnie Garner
Mountain Area Health Education Center, USA
Title: Caring for the young child with diabetes in the early education/childcare setting: Challenges and successes
Biography
Biography: Bonnie Garner
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: The currently controversial healthcare reform in America impacts lifelong consequences for young children with special health needs. Increasing numbers of young children in community early education/childcare programs require expert pediatric nursing. How will we provide safe, evidence-based pediatric nursing within developmentally enriched learning environments as economic and human resources dwindle? Will we expend our efforts and commitment to promote healthy childhood futures instead of repairing of multiple health consequences? Research informs us of the advantage of pediatric practice investments at the earliest possible stages of child development.
Methodology: Single system design, integrated, clinical collaborative experiences based on current research support for pediatric nursing practice and child development.
Session format: Case study presentation of an on-going consultative practice with a family of a two year old male with type I diabetes in the community early learning setting. This case study approach will introduce the challenges, along with the successes of the community healthcare partnerships while providing the learner with lively discussion of creative ideas, strategies, and sustainable solutions.
Findings: This unfolding case study provides an engaging format for learners to explore the challenges, barriers and potential solutions in an active learning session.
Conclusions & Significance: This is a unique opportunity to educate families in healthy life style choices, nutrition, and medical care consistency for the prevention of future disease/condition consequences within the first three years of life. Skills are introduced for early learning educators to provide safe monitoring and nursing supported interventions within nurturing, normative learning environments of community based childcare. Investments of healthcare resources, pediatric nursing practices, and community learning partnerships provide the foundation for solid, sustainable health outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. We have afforded the chance to now make our values a reality; one child, one family, one community at a crucial time.