Caring for patients in rural northwest Colorado presents unique challenges, especially for the smallest and most vulnerable. While some pediatric patients still require transfer to higher levels of care, nurse leaders at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center are focused on expanding local capabilities so more families can stay close to home.
“We have an incredible team of physicians, nurses and staff here,” said Jenny Przymus, MBA, BSN, RN, nurse manager of YVMC’s medical/surgical and intensive care units who led the development of YVMC’s pediatric intermediate care unit. “By setting guardrails and investing in training, if even one additional family receive care at YVMC, it’s a win.”
That commitment extends to the emergency department, where nurse manager Maureen Connolly, MSN, RN, guided her team through the Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) recognition program. The team not only achieved Pediatric Prepared – they exceeded expectations by earning Pediatric Advanced status.
“From a throughput perspective, we’re now better positioned to stabilize pediatric patients in the ED and, when appropriate, admit them to our pediatric intermediate care unit,” said Connolly. “We conducted extensive policy reviews to align with current evidence-based practice, then ensured our clinical care matched those standards. As a result, staff confidence and competence have grown, strengthening our ability to safely care for some of our sickest and youngest patients.”
Building that confidence required a comprehensive approach to training. Professional development supervisor Sarah Clemmons, MSN, RN, implemented a range of learning methods, from didactic education and hands-on procedural practice to skills labs and simulations, to meet diverse adult learning styles and reinforce knowledge retention.
“This goes beyond basic education,” said Clemmons. “It’s a structured, individualized approach that helps nurses continually build competence and confidence while advancing skills.”
Together, these efforts have expanded the level of care available locally, said Edie Seffrood, MS, RHIA, BSN, nurse manager of YVMC’s birth center and special care nursery, the only two in the region.
“The addition of COPPER and the pediatric intermediate care unit really expands the level of care we can deliver close to home, particularly during some of the most vulnerable moments of our patients’ lives,” said Seffrood.
Each of the nurse leaders emphasized that these achievements were made possible through strong collaboration and team engagement across departments.
“When all key stakeholders are involved, we can consider clinical practice, workflows, resources and patient needs from multiple perspectives,” said Clemmons. “That leads to more effective, practical, and sustainable solutions.”
At the heart of these improvements is a commitment to family-centered care. In pediatrics, caring for the patient means supporting both the child and their family.
“Children often look to their parents for reassurance, and parents look to us for guidance and support,” said Connolly. “Hospital experiences can be overwhelming, especially for children. By incorporating physical, emotional, behavioral and trauma-informed care – and actively involving families – we build trust, reduce anxiety and deliver safer, more effective care.”
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