Staffing Plan for Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit for Autism
Introduction
The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) necessitates specialized care that addresses the unique needs of affected children. This paper outlines a comprehensive staffing plan for a Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit dedicated autism, focusing on the selection, development, and evaluation of new staff. The plan draws upon best practices from published literature to ensure high-quality care and effective team dynamics.
Description of the Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit for Autism
The Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit for Autism will consist of 20 beds designated for children aged 2 to 18 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. The unit will cater to various patient needs, including behavioral interventions, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and family education.
Staffing Requirements
To effectively manage the unit, the following staff will be required:
– Registered Nurses (RNs): 8 RNs with experience in pediatric care and neurodevelopmental disorders.
– Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): 4 LPNs to assist RNs in patient care.
– Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): 6 CNAs to provide basic care and support to patients.
– Behavioral Therapists: 3 therapists specialized in autism treatment.
– Occupational and Speech Therapists: 2 of each discipline to aid in developmental therapies.
– Unit Clerk: 1 clerk for administrative support.
Staffing Schedule
A 2-week staffing schedule will ensure adequate coverage for patient care while allowing for staff rest and recovery. Below is a sample schedule for the first week:
Position Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
RN (Day Shift) 3 3 3 3 3 2 2
RN (Night Shift) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
LPN (Day Shift) 2 2 2 2 2 1 1
LPN (Night Shift) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
CNA 4 4 4 4 4 3 3
Behavioral Therapist 1 1 1 1 1 Off Off
OT 1 Off Off Off Off Off Off
ST Off Off Off Off Off Off Off
Unit Clerk 1 1 1 1 1 Off Off
Leadership Roles and Behaviors
The management structure of the Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit will include:
– Nurse Manager: Responsible for overseeing unit operations, staffing, budgeting, and quality assurance. The nurse manager should hold at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and possess experience in pediatric or neurodevelopmental nursing. Leadership skills should include conflict resolution, team building, and strategic planning.
– Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): This role focuses on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and care coordination. CNLs should have a Master’s degree and clinical expertise in pediatric care.
– Charge Nurse: Assists the nurse manager in day-to-day operations and serves as a point of contact for staff concerns. Charge nurses should have experience in pediatric nursing and strong leadership skills.
Required Credentials
A minimum of a BSN is required for RNs; LPNs must have completed an accredited LPN program. All staff should hold relevant certifications in pediatric care and trauma-informed practices.
Communication on the Unit
The Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit will involve collaboration among various disciplines:
– Psychiatrists/Pediatricians: Oversee medical management and diagnosis.
– Occupational and Speech Therapists: Develop individualized therapy plans to enhance communication and daily living skills.
– Social Workers: Provide family support and resources.
– Behavioral Therapists: Implement behavior modification strategies.
Effective Communication Model
Utilizing a SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) model will facilitate clear communication among team members. This model promotes delegation and continuity of care by ensuring all staff are informed about patient status and care plans.
(Reference: McFadden, K. L., et al. (2020). Improving communication through SBAR in a pediatric setting. Pediatric Nursing, 46(5), pp.242-248.)
Selection Process
The selection process will include:
1. Application Screening: Initial review of resumes to shortlist candidates based on qualifications.
2. Structured Interviews: Conducting behavioral interviews focused on competencies relevant to working with children with autism.
3. Background Checks: Mandatory criminal background checks, verification of credentials, and education.
4. Pre-employment Testing: Skills assessments related to pediatric care.
These decisions are evidence-based as structured interviews have been shown to predict job performance effectively, while background checks ensure patient safety.
(Reference: Burch, G. F., & Anderson, R. (2018). The importance of pre-employment assessments in nursing recruitment. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(6), pp.673-679.)
In-service Training and Orientation
The orientation process will involve:
– Week One Orientation: Introducing new hires to unit policies, procedures, electronic health records systems, and safety protocols.
– Week Two Shadowing: Pairing new staff with experienced employees to learn specific patient care techniques and team dynamics.
– Regular Feedback Sessions: Conducting weekly check-ins during the first month to address concerns and reinforce expectations.
These decisions are based on literature suggesting that structured orientation programs enhance retention and job satisfaction among nursing staff.
(Reference: Goode, C. J., et al. (2020). The impact of structured orientation programs on nurse retention in acute care settings. Nursing Economics, 38(4), pp.191-198.)
Evaluation
An evaluation system will include:
– Performance Reviews: Conducting biannual performance evaluations based on established competencies and goals.
– 360-Degree Feedback: Gathering feedback from peers, supervisors, and patients to provide a comprehensive view of performance.
– Professional Development Plans: Establishing individualized growth plans to support career advancement.
Providing regular feedback utilizes principles from evidence-based performance management literature that advocate for consistent evaluation as a means to improve staff performance.
(Reference: Tzeng, H. M., & Yin, C. Y. (2018). Effective performance appraisal systems for nursing staff in acute care settings. International Nursing Review, 65(3), pp.327-335.)
Conclusion
This staffing plan for the Pediatric Neurodevelopment Unit for Autism emphasizes the importance of careful selection, comprehensive training, and ongoing evaluation of new staff. By implementing best practices from published literature, we aim to create a supportive environment that fosters professional growth while ensuring high-quality care for children with autism. The focus on evidence-based decision-making throughout this process underscores our commitment to excellence in pediatric neurodevelopmental services.
