Date of Award

4-2020

Degree Name

Nursing (D.N.P.)

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Sandra Spoelstra

Second Advisor

Christina Quick

Third Advisor

Caryn Steenland

Abstract

Patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units and pediatric cardiac intensive care units often experience prolonged periods of immobility due to critical illnesses and surgical interventions. Many pediatric intensive care unit survivors develop physical and developmental disabilities that have long-lasting impacts into childhood and adulthood. Early mobility may be one aspect to mitigate the risks associated with pediatric intensive care unit admissions. Early mobility protocols have shown to be a safe and feasible intervention to encourage mobility in pediatric patients. This quality improvement project developed and implemented an infant holding tool to promote the mobilization of infant patients admitted to a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. While the data was not statistically significant for number of times held or for the number of patients held while intubated, this project provided a standardized process in infant holding and was widely accepted by stakeholders. No adverse events occurred during the mobilization of infant patients.

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