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Peds nurses to provide statewide network by Heather Woolwine Public Relations With the help of nurses at MUSC’s Children’s Hospital, the new, local Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) chapter will bring together pediatric nurses from different medical centers, schools and other disciplines and practices to improve the care of delivery to children in South Carolina.   It is the first time that such an effort has been undertaken in the state, and the first time that pediatric nursing in South Carolina will network at this level for health care issues involving children.   “I am honored to work with a dedicated team of pediatric nurses to bring this organization to the Lowcountry… [and] I look forward to establishing a network of pediatric nurses across the state of South Carolina dedicated to the health of children in our communities,” said Kimberly Harris-Eaton, R.N., S.C. SPN chapter president.   “This is a great addition! The new chapter will provide an avenue for professional enrichment of our pediatric nurses and can increase the pediatric nurses’ exposure to issues within the pediatric nursing community,” said Marilyn Schaffner, clinical services administrator and chief nursing officer.   Information on SPN and how to join the local chapter will be available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 9 in the Children’s Hospital lobby.     To honor the new chapter and Pediatric Nurses Week, an induction ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Sunfire Grill and Bistro in West Ashley to confirm the new chapter and its members.   “It is our goal to create positive changes through interaction with colleagues and other nursing and professional organizations with similar interests to influence public policy and legislation affecting children,” said Shannon Harbison, R.N., Children’s Hospital pediatric cardiology research coordinator. “Numerous children in South Carolina are in need of the care and educational opportunities we can provide to them. The number of children we can help is directly proportional to the number of nurses who are involved in the projects.”   It comes as no surprise that this particular group of nurses is mobilizing across the state on behalf of children’s health care issues.   “It takes a special kind of nurse to want to work in pediatrics.  There are things, in most people’s minds, that are not logical when it comes to diseases with children,” said John Sanders, Children’s Hospital administrator.  “There is passion in these individuals that is amazing. It is wonderful to see this group forming to improve the care for the children of this state.”   To date, SPN is the only broad-based pediatric nursing organization founded for all nurses involved in the care of children and families, according to its Web site. Society members include staff nurses, school and outpatient nurses, clinical nurse specialists, practitioners, administrators, educators and researchers. SPN offers its members the opportunity to interact with colleagues of similar interests, and to share ideas, research and expertise.    “As you celebrate induction into the ‘newborn’ Society of Pediatric Nurses, I challenge the (SPN) members to reach out to scientific professionals much like they do exquisitely other health professionals,” said Bernie Maria, M.D., Darby Children’s Research Institute executive director. “In the spirit of more effectively translating discoveries into clinical and community practices, I hope that (SPN) members will become familiar with the rich laboratory environment of the Charles P. Darby Children’s Research Institute at the Medical University of South Carolina.”    Through collaborative efforts with other nursing organizations, medical associations and child health advocacy groups, SPN also influences legislation, health policy and public education.   “The Medical University of South Carolina is very proud of its nationally recognized Children’s Hospital and the affiliated Charles P. Darby Children’s Research Institute. The high quality of care that is delivered here is a direct reflection of outstanding nursing staff. We are delighted that their efforts can be promoted and expanded through the Society of Pediatric Nurses,” said Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president.   For information, go to http://www.pedsnurses.org.     Friday, Oct. 6, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.