Peds guidelines include appointment of ED nurse, physician coordinators.

Among the joint guidelines released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Emergency Nurses Association was the recommendation to create two new ED positions - physician coordinator and nurse coordinator--to help ensure optimal care for pediatric patients in the ED. Select someone who already has shown a keen interest in pediatrics and who demonstrates that they follow the latest developments in the field. Excellent communication skills are a must, as they will be the liaison to other departments. Give the coordinators responsibility for performance improvement activities and disaster planning as they pertain to the care and safety of children in the ED.