Saturday 8:40 AM – 9:40 AM · Room 1026 · Moderator: D'Ann Sommeral
Pediatric Assessment Day: Bringing Children to Class for Structured, Authentic Experiential Learning
Jessica M. Johnson, PhD, RN, PNP-PC
Learning objectives
- Learners will explain how Pediatric Assessment Day aligns with AACN Essentials Domains 1, 2, and 9 to support foundational pediatric assessment competencies.
- Learners will describe the limitations of traditional standardized patient simulation in pediatric assessment and the rationale for alternative experiential learning approaches.
- Identify key components necessary to implement a structured, authentic pediatric assessment experience using children and families.
Abstract
Pediatric Assessment Day immerses nursing students in authentic well-child encounters with children and families, promoting developmental competence, professionalism, and readiness for pediatric clinical practice. Grounded in AACN Essentials and existing research, this experience offers a structured yet realistic alternative to standardized patient or high-fidelity manikin simulation.