652 – Pediatric ER Nursing: Unique Challenges, Life-Threatening Emergencies, and Legal Implications – Dr. Chelsea Collins

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On this episode of the Legal Nurse Podcast, host Pat Iyer delves into the high-stakes world of pediatric emergency care with expert guest Dr. Chelsea Collins, a seasoned emergency department and forensic nurse. Together, they shine a spotlight on the unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by pediatric patients—and the medical teams who care for them—in the fast-paced ER environment. Dr. Collins draws on her extensive experience to expose the complexities behind assigning responsibility, the differences in assessment techniques between inpatient and emergency settings, and the realities of working in a team under constantly shifting conditions.

Listeners will gain critical insight into the most serious emergencies involving children, from respiratory crises to life-threatening fevers, and learn why children are not just “little adults” when it comes to dosages and treatment protocols. Dr. Collins explains essentials like weight-based dosing, the lifesaving role of Broselow tape, and how ER staff navigate situations when time won’t allow for careful measurement—a crucial look into the behind-the-scenes decisions that can mean life or death.

The episode also focuses on vital legal considerations such as EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) and the nuances of handling pregnant pediatric patients, revealing just how intricate and specialized pediatric emergency care has become. This episode promises an eye-opening look into cases where every detail—and every second—matters.

What you’ll learn in this episode on Pediatric ER Nursing

Watch this on our LegalNurseBusiness channel on YouTube for the full experience.

1. How does the team dynamic and patient assignment work in a constantly changing emergency department, especially during critical situations with pediatric patients?
2. What types of assessments are performed on pediatric patients in the emergency department, and how do they differ from inpatient head-to-toe assessments?
3. Which pediatric emergencies raise the most concern among emergency department staff, and why are respiratory issues particularly critical in children?
4. How are medication dosages accurately determined for pediatric patients in urgent or high-pressure situations, and what tools are used to support this process?
5. What legal and practical protocols, such as EMTALA, ensure the stabilization and appropriate transfer of patients—particularly vulnerable or uninsured children and pregnant teenagers—in emergency departments?

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Your Presenters for Pediatric ER Nursing

Dr. Chelsea Collins

Nurse. Professor. Policy Wonk.

A nurse for over a decade, Dr. Collins started out in the ER as a new graduate with her associates in nursing. She advanced her education later obtaining her BSN and her DNP from Johns Hopkins University as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult-Gerontological Critical Care and a Nursing Education post-graduate certificate. She has worked in both adult and pediatric ER’s, as well as in pediatric critical care. In addition to her critical care experience, Dr. Collins is a triple board certified forensic nurse, and has worked in this area for nearly a decade. In conjunction with her multiple roles, she has been involved in her professional organizations, including being identified as a 20 under 40 Nurses for the Emergency Nurses Association. She also works as a nursing professor, teaching all levels of future and current nurses. She has a special interest in policy, including health policy, and is a self proclaimed “policy wonk” having served in various roles including volunteering as a policy fellow at the state capitol.

When she’s not on this podcast she is either napping, or crafting.

Connect with Dr. Chelsea Collins on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechelsearn/

Pat Iyer

Pat Iyer is a seasoned legal nurse consultant and business coach renowned for her expertise in guiding new legal nurse consultants to successfully break into the field. As the host of the Legal Nurse Podcast, Pat addresses critical challenges that legal nurse consultants face, such as difficulty in landing clients and lack of response from attorneys. Through her insightful episodes, she emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating one’s value to potential clients. With a wealth of experience, Pat has empowered countless consultants to overcome these hurdles and thrive in their careers.

Connect with Pat Iyer by email at patiyer@legalnusebusiness.com