“Dear Children’s”

December 24, 2010

Dear Children’s Hospital,

My son, Evan, has had two stays at

your hospital, and both times the facilities

and staff were top notch. Nobody likes

to have a child in the hospital, but

Children’s Hospital is somewhere that

I have confidence in the doctors to

provide the best treatment available.

Allen Trotter

Louisville, Tenn.

Handwritten note we received from Scarlett Warrington

September 26, 2010

Dear Children’s Hospital,

My son, Adam, was a patient in Room 246 from 9/24/10

to 9/26/10. I was totally impressed at the professionalism,

compassion and team spirit of those who worked with my son.

His nurse Brittany and tech Kyle were absolutely wonderful

with him. Brittany is a burst of happiness and enthusiasm.

You can see how much she loves her job and the children she

works with. Kyle ... we adore him. He was wonderful in taking

Adam’s stats, which is not an easy task! I was upset in the

hallway thinking about the decisions that I had to make as a

single mom. Kyle was so sweet to notice that I was upset, and

he comforted me by just letting me talk for a few minutes.

When it was time to leave, he helped us with our bags to the

car. You have two very special employees who give 100 percent

tenfold to what they do. Susan Byczko Jonesborough, Tenn.

Dennis Ragsdale, Chairman • Bill Terry, M.D., Vice ChairmanMichael Crabtree, Secretary/Treasurer • Debbie Christiansen, M.D. • Dawn Ford Keith D. Goodwin • Steven Harb • Lewis Harris, M.D. • Dee HaslamA. David Martin • Larry Martin • Christopher Miller, M.D. • Steve SouthLaurens Tullock • Danni Varlan • Jim Bush, Chair EmeritusWilliam G. Byrd, M.D., Chair Emeritus • Don Parnell, Chair Emeritus

Lise Christensen, M.D., Chief of Staff • Mark Cramolini, M.D., Vice Chief of Staff Lori Patterson, M.D., Secretary

Ken Wicker, M.D., Chief of MedicineCameron J. Sears, M.D., Chief of Surgery

Keith D. Goodwin, President/CEO • Bruce Anderson, Vice President for Legal Services & General Counsel • Laura Barnes, R.N., M.S.N., C.N.A.A., B.C., Vice President for Patient Care • Joe Childs, M.D., Vice President for Medical ServicesZane Goodrich, CPA, Vice President for Finance & CFO • Rudy McKinley, Vice President for Operations • Sue Wilburn, Vice President for Human Resources

Ellen Liston, APR, Fellow PRSA, Director of Community RelationsWendy Hames, APR, Editor • Neil Crosby, Contributing Photographer

www.etch.com

Board of Directors

Medical Staff

Chiefs of Services

Administration

It’s About Children Staff

A quarterly publication of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, It’s About Children is designed to inform the East Tennessee community about the hospital and the patients we serve. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s vision is Leading the Way to Healthy Children. Children’s Hospital is a private, independent, not-for-profit pediatric medical center that has served the East Tennessee region for nearly 75 years and is certified by the state of Tennessee as a Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center.

“Because Children are Special…”…they deserve the best possible health care given in a positive, family-centered atmosphere of friendliness, cooperation and support -- regardless of race, religion or ability to pay.”…their medical needs are closely related to their emotional and informational needs; therefore, the total child must be considered in treating any illness or injury.”…their health care requires family involvement, special understanding, special equipment and specially trained personnel who recognize that children are not miniature adults.”…their health care can best be provided by a facility with a well-trained medical and hospital staff whose only interests and concerns are with the total health andwell-being of infants, children and adolescents.

Statement of Philosophy East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

Children’s Hospital is a Tobacco-Free and Smoke-Free Campus

On The Cover: Shelby Smith of Knoxville

Read her story on pages 4-6.

2

Children’s Hospital NOTES

You have a crazy day ahead of you – first, dropping off one

child at preschool and the other at the elementary school, then

work and errands for the family before picking up both children

for different doctor appointments. You have to remember the

correct insurance cards and immunizations records, past surgery

information and a list of what medications each child is taking.

How can you manage all the information you need for your

children’s health? Children’s Hospital has a solution for what you need

to know when you’re on the go – an app for your iPhone or iPad.

This FREE app is available now at the App Store for iPhones,

iPods and iPads; it is named “East TN Kids” in the Healthcare &

Fitness section of the App Store. Already, more than 1,000 iPhone/

iPod/iPad users have downloaded the new app. In addition to

providing general hospital information and a map and directions

Medical professionals join

Children’s Hospital staff

Children’s Hospital is pleased to welcome the expertise

of the following new medical staff members, who joined

our staff in 2010.

• Laura Asbury, M.D., Pediatrics

• Rachel Barker, M.D., Pediatric Radiology

• Charles Christ, D.D.S., Pediatric Dentistry

• John Stephen Corns, D.O., Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

• Thomas Eberts, M.D., Pediatric Pathology

• Megan Gaddis, M.D., Pediatrics

• Ankush Gosain, M.D., Pediatric Surgery

• Oscar Grandas, M.D., Pediatric Vascular Surgery

• Gregory Hoover, M.D., Pediatric Orthopedics

• Eric Jensen, M.D., Pediatric Surgery

• Karthik Krishnan, M.D., Adult and Pediatric Allergy

and Immunology• Michael McCormack, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonology

• Andrea Meadows, M.D., Pediatrics

• Robin Michaels, M.D., Pediatrics

• Joni Oberlin, M.D., Pediatric Hospitalist Service

• Erin Rohman, M.D., Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

• Allyson Schmitt, M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmology

• Michelle Smoot, M.D., Pediatric Emergency Medicine

• Heath Tennyson, M.D., Pediatric Otolaryngology

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

on the best way to get to Children’s Hospital and

where to park, the new app lets you keep your

children’s medical history in one convenient place

– in a device that’s with you at all times. Use the

Children’s Hospital app to keep information

about your kids’ medications, allergies and

immunizations, as well as emergency contacts,

right at your fingertips. Everything is password protected, so

information is secure.

The new app also features hundreds of articles to help

parents with medical information. The KidsHealth section of the

app includes the following categories: General Health; First Aid

& Safety; Medical Problems; Infections; Emotions & Behavior;

Growth & Development; Nutrition & Fitness; and Pregnancy &

Newborns.

Health tips at your fingertips

Hospital’s app tops 1,000 downloads

Upon entering the 26th annual Fantasy of Trees November 24-28, guests were immersed into a world of twinkling snowflakes, bright-colored decorations and reindeer at play—all at the Knoxville Convention Center. This year’s Fantasy of Trees kicked off the Knoxville holiday season for 57,600 guests with the theme “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” and was one of the most successful years in the event’s history. Fantasy of Trees showcased hundreds of designer trees, wreaths and decorations, a Gingerbread Village, children’s activities and entertainment for the whole family at the Fantasy Theatre. Other attractions included visits with Santa, carousel rides, holiday shops and a Babes in Toyland parade. More than $351,000 was raised at Fantasy of Trees; funds are being used to buy much needed equipment for the Children’s Sleep Medicine Center and the laboratory department. The Fantasy of Trees staff would like to thank the more than 10,500 volunteers who donated thousands of hours throughout 2010 to make the event such a success. Children’s Hospital extends many thanks to all volunteers and visitors for their support. Plans are already underway for the 2011 Fantasy of Trees, which will feature a theme of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The 2011 co-chairs are Todd Heptinstall and Genia Jackson, and the assistant co-chair is Janice Davis. The Fantasy of Trees has created holiday memories for more than one million guests and raised more than $5.7 million for Children’s Hospital since it began 26 years ago.

by Claire Quinn and Taylor Griffin, student interns

Fantasy of Trees brings

holiday cheer to Knoxville

3

Parenting is really an adventure, and sometimes quite a stressful one at that. Some children make it more of an adventure, and sweet little Shelby Smith of Knoxville is certainly one of those. For her parents, Millicent and Seth Smith, Shelby is a tremendous joy who has come a long way in a short amount of time since her birth in October 2006. Born three months early in an emergency cesarean section at UT Medical Center, Shelby weighed two pounds, 11 ounces and was 14 inches long. Millicent, the Social Studies Supervisor for grades K-12 for Knox County Schools, had experienced severe pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and some other pregnancy complications), which resulted in the need to deliver Shelby so early for the protection of both mother and baby. A 100-day stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UT Medical Center was just the first of Shelby’s many experiences with hospitalization and health care, according to Seth, who is an Assistant Principal and the Athletic Director at Carter High School in the Knox County School System. Shelby had a few medical problems identified early on, not all of which were related to her prematurity. She had a submucous cleft palate (an opening in the palate on the roof of her mouth, a birth defect that occurs early in pregnancy); a congenital heart defect called patent ductus arteriosis, or PDA (the ductus arteriosis in the heart is supposed to close on its own shortly after birth, but it did not in Shelby’s case); and underdeveloped lungs due to extreme prematurity. Shelby had a PDA ligation surgery while in the NICU at UT to correct the heart defect, so this problem was taken care of early on. Her other issues, however, took a bit more time and numerous hospital visits to address. Throughout it all, Shelby has been under the primary care of pediatrician John Rochester, M.D., of Rochester Pediatrics, a Children’s Hospital- affiliated practice. Dr. Rochester had been Millicent’s pediatrician during her childhood, as well. Shelby’s underdeveloped lungs gave her the most significant problems during her first few years, according to her parents. Her first procedure – and first overnight stay – at Children’s Hospital was a bronchoscope when she was two years old. Sterling Simpson, M.D., of Pediatric Pulmonology and Respiratory Care at Children’s Hospital, performed the procedure to examine Shelby’s airway. Dr. Simpson and his colleagues, Drs. John Rogers and Eduardo Riff, followed Shelby for a few years at their pediatric pulmonology practice until she outgrew

Shelbythe prematurity-related lung issues. Through their office, Shelby also received monthly Synagis shots during RSV season (fall and winter) for the first two years of her life to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a potentially life-threatening virus for children such as Shelby with issues of prematurity and underdeveloped lungs. Unfortunately and in spite of the many efforts to keep her healthy, Shelby developed serious cases of other viruses – both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza (“swine flu”) in fall 2009, again leading to an overnight stay at Children’s Hospital. Her lung issues made the flu viruses a greater concern, but she fully recovered. Last year Shelby made a pair of significant visits to Children’s Hospital. In April, pediatric otolaryngologist

(ENT) Mark Ray, M.D., performed a furlow palatoplasty, a surgical procedure to correct her cleft palate. Again, she spent a night at the hospital. A cleft palate is not life threatening, but it can have long-term effects on the patient, such as causing difficulties with feeding and speech development. “While that surgery was complicated and resulted in stitches and quite a bit of pain initially, it has had a tremendously positive impact on her speech and language development,” Millicent said. “Her recovery was swift and uneventful. This procedure has had the most positive impact on her development – we are elated with the results.” Shelby and her parents were fortunate to have the services of Dr. Ray available when they needed him. Dr. Ray joined Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, PLLC, in January 2009, joining Drs. John Little and Michael Belmont in the practice at Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ray’s arrival brought specialized experience in cleft surgeries to the group as well as to Children’s Hospital. During his pediatric otolaryngology fellowship in Arkansas, Dr. Ray participated in training that was heavily weighted toward cleft lip and palate repair. He was involved in the care of 700-800 cleft patients while he served as co-director of the cleft team. He performs cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries regularly and has established East Tennessee’s first multidisciplinary cleft treatment team recognized by the

4

About Me

Name: Shelby Zoe Smith

Age: 4

School and grade: Preschool at Bearden Early

Enrichment Program at the Smith family’s church,

Bearden United Methodist

Personality traits: An awesome sense of humor and

very independent.

Words she can say: “Palatoplasty” and any other word

she wants or needs to say, thanks to Dr. Ray!

Favorite color: Pink and purple – equally!

Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese

Favorite movie: Right now, a toss-up between “Tangled”

and “Cinderella.” However, at any given time, it could

be any princess or Tinker Bell movie.

Favorite TV show: Disney Channel or anything with

music, dancing and singing

Favorite song: “Love Story” or anything by Taylor Swift

Favorite game: Hide ’n’ seek with cousins John and

Sam Beaty and Bryce Rivers; also a whiz at any

matching game.

Favorite school subject/activity: Assembly, Busybodies

(a program of physical activity/exercises/games/

gymnastics/ once per week) and any time

they sing and dance

Likes: Music, singing, dancing and princesses

What I do for fun: Read and pretend to read to others.

Play “pretend” games in general – especially to cook,

play store and dress up in princess costumes. I love

to go to football and basketball games with my daddy.

I love the Vols! I’m an expert at f inding music, shows

and games on my parents’ iPod Touch and iPad.

5

speaking with us, I think they felt much better and more at ease with him performing the surgery on their daughter. We recommended him then, even before we could know the long-term results of Shelby’s surgery. His bedside manner, his forthrightness, his confidence, his knowledge, his expertise – all those things comforted us and allowed us to comfort another family.” In December, the Smiths were back at Children’s Hospital – this time for their first trip to the Emergency Department. “Shelby ran into the pantry door in our kitchen and got a nasty gash on her forehead,” Millicent said. “The ER staff was amazing and not only took great care with Shelby, but attended to my needs as well. I was a little shaken, and the staff made every effort to comfort all of us while giving Shelby the best possible care. She barely even has a scar from the injury, which required five stitches!” The major thing Shelby remembers about her 2010 visits to Children’s Hospital is her stitches – both the ones she had in her mouth after the palatoplasty and the ones she had on her forehead following the pantry door incident. She was “all about” following the doctors’ orders for taking care of them and protecting them, Millicent said, adding that Shelby has a definite dislike for a few other aspects of her health care – notably, getting shots and having her finger pricked for blood work. Shelby is very familiar with the hospital and is quite used to being there. “She knows it is where you go to get better,” Millicent said. “I do not think she necessarily associates it with something ‘bad.’ I think that is a testament to the doctors, nurses and staff who have attended to her on her many visits. She is very interested in hospitals and has even said on occasion that she wants to be a doctor, saying that ‘They have to go to college.’ “She has a doctor’s kit, and she likes to ‘pretend’ to give shots and put on band-aids,” Millicent continued. “It is funny – any time she ‘doctors’ any of us adults, we ALWAYS need a shot! I guess it is her ‘payback.’ ” The Smiths appreciate the care and attention the entire family receives whenever they are at Children’s Hospital. “Even though our trips to Children’s Hospital are usually under stressful circumstances, we have always had the best experience. Everyone is helpful, caring and quick to attend to Shelby’s (and her parents’) needs,” Millicent said. “All the doctors and nurses take time to answer questions and explain medications and procedures thoughtfully.” These days, after four years of parenting adventures for Seth and Millicent, they are proud to say that Shelby is “doing fabulously.” At about 37 pounds and 40 inches, she has grown significantly since her too-early arrival. She is active and loves to sing, dance, swim and read books. And post-surgery, she is

now able to say anything she wants to say, including the clinical name of her cleft palate surgery – “palatoplasty” – a word over which many adults would surely stumble.

ShelbyAmerican Cleft Palate Association. He also bonded well with Shelby. “Shelby is particularly fond of Dr. Ray and his nurse, April,” Millicent said. “She responds to them quite well.” As the Smiths sought care for each of Shelby’s problems, they made careful choices as to the providers who would care for their daughter. When Shelby needed ear tubes, the Smiths turned to family friend Dr. Leslie Baker of Greater Knoxville Ear, Nose & Throat, an otolaryngologist, for her expertise to perform that surgery. Dr. Baker determined that Shelby might have the submucous cleft, and she referred Shelby to Dr. Ray. “She helped us get the initial appointment and was in communication with Dr. Ray regarding her concerns with Shelby’s palate and speech,” Millicent said. “We are so grateful to her for that.” The Smiths then did some research into Dr. Ray and his skills/training. “I began looking into Dr. Ray and his background,” Millicent said. “I was told he is one of the only doctors – if not the ONLY one – in our area to perform the furlow palatoplasty. That is a little scary as we really didn’t have a lot of options should we not be comfortable with him. I found Dr. Ray has traveled the world helping kids with cleft palates much more severe than Shelby’s and for those with little access to proper health care and support, and he has five children of his own. “And, when we had our first consultation, I decided to ask him for myself: ‘Are you good at what you do?’ He was a little shocked at this question as he said he had never been asked it before,” Millicent said. “I felt like a doctor should have the confidence to tell me he thinks he is good. He said, ‘I would say I’m in the top 10 percent.’” Millicent also researched the furlow procedure itself, first performed by Leonard T. Furlow, Jr., M.D., of the University of Florida in the 1980s. “Dr. Ray gave us statistics regarding the success of the procedure, which I later corroborated via my research,” Millicent said. “I think, while there is still room for improvement as she grows and matures, the prediction of Shelby’s success has come to fruition. “After our experience with him, I would say Dr. Ray was being modest,” Millicent said. “Shelby is thriving and her speech – and her confidence – are getting better every day.” Even just hours after Shelby’s surgery, Millicent and Seth were feeling tremendous confidence in Dr. Ray’s skills in caring for their daughter. “When we were in our room the evening after surgery, a little girl was admitted into the bed next to us,” Millicent said. “Her family was very anxious as the girl would require surgery for her condition, and they did not know the doctor. The next day, when Dr. Ray came in to visit Shelby, the family saw he was the same doctor who would perform their daughter’s surgery. “After Dr. Ray left, they immediately came over to our side of the room to inquire about him,” Millicent continued. “After

6

Pediatrician ProfilesAndrea Meadows, M.D.

John W.Wilkinson,

M.D.,F.A.A.P.

Age: 32

Family: Husband, Tom Meadows

Name of Pediatric Practice: LaFollette Pediatric Clinic; Lafollette, Tenn.

Personal Interests: Running, cycling and cooking.

Academic Background/Prior Experience: B.S. – Marshall University, Huntington, W.V., 2000M.D. – Marshall University, 2004

Internship and Residency: University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. Internship: 2004-05; Residency: 2005-07

Additional Experience: Private practice at Lexington Clinic in Kentucky, 2007-10

Why Pediatrics? I chose pediatrics because during my clerkship, I enjoyed going to work every day and realized that I was disappointed when the clerkship was over. I knew that working with kids every day would mean I would always enjoy work.

Greatest Influences: My parents, who instilled a wonderful work ethic in me; and Dr. Ratcliff, my childhood pediatrician and instructor in medical school.

Proudest Moment as a Pediatrician: Moments when a child or parent says “Thank you. You have really made a difference in our life.”

Age: 36

Family: Wife, Sabrina; daughters Ali (3) and Bella (2)

Name of Pediatric Practice: Knoxville Pediatric Associates, Weisgarber office

Personal Interests: Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my two lovely girls and laughing with my beautiful wife. When time permits, I enjoy running, playing and watching basketball, reading, golf and football.

Academic Background/Prior Experience: B.A. – Bellarmine University, Louisville, Ky., 1996M.D. – Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind., 2000

Internship and Residency: University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis. Internship: 2000-01; Residency: 2001-03

Additional Experience: Private practice at Hamblen Pediatric Associates, Morristown, 2003-10

Why Pediatrics? As a child, I realized the impact a physician can have in the life of a child. I also remember aspiring to be in a position to have that same positive influence. Naturally, this led me into medicine and pediatrics.

Philosphy: My greatest responsibility as a pediatrician is to provide quality medical care with a foundation in evidence-based medicine, preventive care and the ultimate goal of equipping my patients with the ability to make appropriate lifestyle choices so they can enjoy a healthy adult life.

Greatest Influences: The many physicians I have been privileged to know – my own childhood pediatrician, the attending physician I worked for in school and residency, my mentors and my colleagues – throughout my life have helped mold me into the pediatrician I am today.

Proudest Moment as a Pediatrician: I have been blessed to enjoy many proud moments in my career. But I think the small things patients do – the pictures they draw or color for me, the Christmas cards they send, the school pictures they give every year, the hugs I receive at the end of an office visit – are the things I treasure most.

7

Leading The Way

Children’s Hospital’s position on breastfeeding has always been that it is one of the most important things a new mother can do for her baby. Now, more than ever before, research shows that breastfeeding provides babies with protection from many medical complications including ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, severe lower respiratory infections and necrotizing enterocolitis (a condition affecting the intestines of premature infants). Breastfeeding also is associated with lower rates of sudden infant death syndrome, childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and leukemia in babies. Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding, because it reduces their risk for type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Hospitals across Tennessee have incorporated this critical knowledge into a push for mothers to breastfeed and, in turn, reduce infant mortality (death) and morbidity (illness and disease) rates. The importance of breastfeeding is being heavily stressed to mothers at Children’s Hospital, especially in the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and during transport of babies to the NICU. New mothers are given written materials and are educated verbally at the time of transport from the hospital where their baby was born to the Children’s Hospital NICU. Mothers who are not able to provide breast milk have the option of their baby being given donated breast milk from the WakeMed Mother’s Milk Bank in Raleigh, N.C., to supply the baby with the protection and benefits of breastfeeding. The state of Tennessee has one of the highest infant mortality and morbidity rates in the country. After the governor’s office provided a grant to help improve the health of children in Tennessee, a group of key stakeholders involved in infant care set a goal of urging breast milk use to improve infant outcomes. Children’s Hospital, along with The Regional Medical Center at Memphis, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, were the four initial participants in the planning and implementation of these best practices in a collaboration through the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC). This quality improvement initiative has proven successful and has now begun in additional hospitals with NICUs throughout Tennessee. (See page 14 for more on TIPQC.) “Breastmilk can be considered a baby’s first immunization by helping build a stronger immune system and providing immune benefits for infants,” said LeAnne Gibbs, Children’s Hospital lactation consultant. “All of the evidence concurs that this is also the best nutrition for infants.”

In addition to teaching new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, Children’s Hospital is taking the initiative to promote breastfeeding to the community through framed educational posters given to obstetricians’ offices in the hospital’s 16-county service area, as well as through outreach education programs. “This collaboration seeks to improve outcomes for infants by using evidence-based best practices,” Gibbs said. “Based on all the valuable research available, we know that providing infants with breast milk for their nutrition and immune system gives them the best start to life. We are fortunate to be a part of this statewide effort and to have the support we need from our staff, physicians and administration to increase the use of breast milk in our NICU.”

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

Children’s Hospital promotes breastfeeding to make newborns healthier

Children’s Hospital vision statement is “Leading the Way to Healthy Children.” In this series in It’s About Children, we are sharing with our readers some of the many ways we are “Leading the Way.” Outstanding practices by Children’s Hospital departments are highlighted – things that are, although quite commonplace at our pediatric medical center, actually rather unique. This series showcases the exceptional work done at Children’s Hospital and demonstrates how the hospital is a great place to work.

A newborn is transported to Children’s Hospital for care in the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

8

Coordinator, hospital receive Safe Kids USA awards

As coordinator for Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area, Susan Cook is often found around the community promoting injury prevention by fitting bike helmets on children and teaching the importance of using proper safety equipment or teaching parents/caregivers about ways to keep their children safe around water, fire and poisonous materials. She also is often at car seat checkpoints throughout East Tennessee teaching parents and caregivers the appropriate way to install a car seat and the best practices in regard to child passenger safety. When Susan is not out in the community, she spends her time at Children’s Hospital in the Community Relations Department working on grants and other educational efforts to prevent unintentional injuries in children. It comes as no surprise, then, to announce that Cook has been chosen as the 2010 Safe Kids USA Local Coordinator of the Year. This award is given to the one person out of more than 600 coordinators nationwide “best exemplifying the spirit, drive and integrity of advancing child safety,” and it is one of the highest honors given by Safe Kids. Cook has been exceeding these standards since the summer of 2008 when Children’s Hospital became the lead organization for Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area. By taking on this partnership, Children’s Hospital was given an opportunity to extend Safe Kids’ reach to the entire East Tennessee region served by the hospital. Since 2008, Children’s Hospital has supported Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area in participating in health and safety fairs, car seat checkpoints, bike fairs, safety seminars and classes for parents and caregivers, and media awareness campaigns. Because of these efforts, Children’s Hospital was named the 2010 Safe Kids USA Outstanding Lead Organization. This award is another one of the honors given each year and is presented to a lead organization that puts forth extraordinary efforts for that year. “I feel honored to have been chosen as the Safe Kids USA Coordinator of the Year, but it would not have been possible without the support of our great partners and such a great lead organization,” Cook said. Since winning the award in October, Cook has been working to secure additional grants to help Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area and Children’s Hospital in promoting fire, bike and helmet safety. For the first time ever, a pedestrian safety grant was awarded to this Safe Kids coalition and will be used to promote safe walking and to recognize issues in the community that could be dangerous to pedestrians through photos taken by students. This grant should help promote injury prevention and changes in behavior for the East Tennessee region. Cook assists at car seat checkpoints monthly in four of the 16 counties served by Safe Kids of the Greater Knox Area. These checkpoints are a free community service for any parent with children who are required by law to be in a child passenger restraint

system. Cook and other certified car seat technicians test the installation of the car seat and ensure the seat is installed properly. The remaining 12 counties served by this Safe Kids coalition have at least one car seat checkpoint each year. Safe Kids USA is one of 19 Safe Kids Worldwide member countries that promote the prevention of unintentional childhood injury. The death rate for unintentional injuries in children ages 14 and under has declined by a significant 45 percent in the 22 years since Safe Kids was created.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

Safe Kids Coordinator Susan Cook examines a car seat to be sure it is correctly installed.

9

What’s New atTelethon 2011 Wrap-Up

Children’sHospital’smainandlowerlobbiesarebrandnew,thankstoanextensive$1millionmakeoverandexpansion,with$500,000ofthefundingfromadonationfromtheRegalFoundation(partoftheRegalEntertainmentGroup).ConstructionbeganattheendofMay2010,andtheprojectisreceivingfinaltouchesnow. Themainwaitingareafeaturesawaterwallandanewroofwiththree6-footskylights.Duetotheenclosureoftheformeratrium,thewaitingareaisnowtwiceitsprevioussizeandcanseatnearly60peoplecomfortablyinmovie-theaterstylechairs(thechairsarefixed,non-folding,forsafety).Inaddition,afifthregistrationstationhasbeenconstructedtohelpduringbusyregistrationtimes. Twoplayareasinthewaitingsectionwillhelpkeepchildrenentertained,andanewcoffeeshopoffersbeveragesforfamilieswaitingtobeseen.OtherchangesincludeaFamilyRestroom

withafullchangingtableandalactationroomfornursingmothersandtheirinfants. Thelowermainlobbyreceivedamuchneededmakeoverandnowfeaturesdesignchangeswithbrightcoloredwallsandfloors,largerthanlife-sizephotosofchildren,andadisplaycaseforartexhibits. DuetobecompletedinlateFebruary,theserenovationswillprovideawaitingspaceinacomfortingatmosphereforpatientsandtheirfamilies. Regal’sdonation,whichtotaled$750,000,alsoprovidedanexpansiontothePre-OperativeHoldingandFamilyWaitingAreasinSurgicalServices.Thereisnowabiggerspaceforfamiliesandpatientstostaytogetherupuntilafewmomentsbeforesurgery. Formoreinformationaboutthisproject,visit www.etch.com.

by Claire Quinn, student intern

Lobby and waiting area renovation complete

When the telephones stopped ringing and volunteers wrote down the final donations at 11:30 p.m. on January 30, it was obvious the 29th annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Telethon was another success. Kicking off 2011 with a bang, the annual telethon raised more than $1.15 million through individual pledges and corporate donations. This Knoxville tradition has lasted for nearly three decades, thanks to the many donors and sponsors that contribute yearly. The telethon took place Sunday, January 30 from 3-11:30 p.m., live on WBIR-TV Channel 10. The broadcast was filled with check presentations from donors; coverage of hospital activities; local personalities urging viewers to make a pledge; and inspiring stories of children who have been or are currently patients of Children’s Hospital (see additional photos, page 20). A variety of new and sophisticated medical equipment will be purchased with the funds raised from this year’s telethon. This equipment not only ensures that all patients will continue to receive high-quality care at Children’s Hospital but also keeps the hospital on the cutting edge of the newest pediatric medical technology while helping continue “Leading the Way to Healthy Children.” Children’s Hospital was one of only 22 hospitals to participate in the first telethon in 1983 and is a charter member of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since the telethon’s inception, more than $33 million has been raised for the hospital, and community support has grown substantially. Children’s Hospital would like to thank everyone who was involved in the telethon this year, including corporate sponsors Ace Hardware, The Butterfly Fund, Carmike Theatres, Center Stage, Children’s Hospital Volunteers, Children’s Hospital Committee for the Future, Dairy Queen, Dance Marathon Council (UT, Knoxville), Kiwanis Clubs, Food Lion, Fred’s Discount Stores, Golden Corral, Great Clips, IHOP,

Journal Broadcast Group for the Star 102.1 Radiothon, Kroger, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, Marriott Business Services, Baseball for Babies Tournament, Phi Mu sorority (UT, Knoxville), Phonathons, Re/Max Realty and Josh the Dog, Rite Aid, Security Finance, Tri Delta sorority (UT, Knoxville), USA Gymnastics, Walmart, Walmart SuperCenters and Sam’s Clubs. Special thanks to WBIR-TV Channel 10 and the many volunteers for their decades of support in helping this area’s children stay healthy.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

10

Left: Carlos Angel, M.D., pediatric surgeon

Below: Joe Porcello with Children’s Hospital patient Jacob John Hay

What’s New atChildren’s Hospital now offers a non-invasive,

virtually painless treatment for chest deformities  You remember the teenage years … the braces, growth spurts, ever changing groups of friends and feeling, oh, so uncomfortable in your own body. Then imagine being a teen diagnosed with a “deformity”- a protrusion of the chest or a chest that is sunken. Chest deformities are caused by an abnormal growth of the rib cartilages. The abnormal growth pushes the sternum either inward (toward the spine) or outward (away from the chest plane). Until last year, patients with a protruding chest, also known as Pectus carinatum or pigeon chest, were referred to other children’s hospitals in cities like Cincinnati or Nashville for bracing or extensive surgery. But now, pigeon chest can be treated at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital with a completely non-invasive, virtually painless brace. Pigeon chest makes up about 5 percent of all chest wall deformities. Symptoms include pain, abnormal heartbeat, decreased exercise tolerance, a negative self image and often a hunched posture in an effort to hide the chest deformity. The cause of pigeon chest is unknown but usually starts in the early teenage years around ages 10-12 and becomes worse during growth spurts. Chest deformities occur in approximately four people in every 1,000 and are more common in boys. Dr. Carlos Angel, pediatric surgeon at Children’s Hospital and managing partner of East Tennessee Pediatric Surgery Group, investigated the T-Joe Bracing System as a way to correct pigeon chest with a custom-fit brace. Dr. Angel contacted Joe Porcello, creator of the T-Joe Bracing System, and requested his services at Children’s Hospital. The T-Joe Bracing System is used nationally and internationally to correct from the mildest to the most severe cases of pigeon chest without surgery. The child is fit with a custom brace that fits flush with the skin. The bracing program only takes about 8-12 months to complete, and the child must wear the brace 24 hours a day. The brace is inconspicuous and barely visible under clothing. The brace does not disrupt the child’s lifestyle, and the child can practice almost any sport or do any physical activity while wearing the brace. “Most children do not complain of any discomfort from the bracing system, and the outcomes are excellent,” Dr. Angel said. Porcello visits Children’s Hospital every two months to fit new braces, evaluate established patients and make adjustments to their braces. Pigeon chest does not often reoccur, but if it does, the child will continue to wear the brace for compression only during certain hours of the day, similar to a retainer in the mouth after orthodontic procedures. Porcello is also an athletic trainer, so the brace not only corrects pigeon chest but also improves posture and strengthens core muscles. The T-Joe Bracing System is also used to correct ribs that protrude, a condition called costal arches or flared ribs. Dr. Angel and his partner, Dr. Eric Jensen, also treat patients with sunken chests, known as Pectus excavatum or funnel chest, which makes up 90 percent of all chest wall deformities. Funnel chest is marked by pain, abnormal heartbeat, decreased exercise tolerance and low self-esteem. Drs. Angel and Jensen perform a minimally invasive technique to repair funnel chest; a curved steel bar is inserted under the sternum

through two small lateral incisions. The bar causes the cartilage to reshape, and the bar stays in place for a minimum of two years. The bar is not visible from the outside, and physical activity is not restricted except in the first three months after the procedure. Children’s Hospital is always looking for ways to evolve and improve its medical care. With the addition of the T-Joe Bracing System to the treatments that Children’s Hospital offers, many patients’ lives are improved. Now, not only is surgery avoided, but children are also able to continue everyday activities with minimal discomfort.

by Hayley Martin, Public Relations Specialist

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What’s New at

Astheendofitssecondyearapproaches,theChildren’sHospitalFamilyAdvisoryCouncilhasrevieweditsfirsttwoyears’progressandisrefocusingongoalsforthefuture.Fivenewmemberswereaddedtothecouncillastfall,andfivemorewillbeaddedthisspring. TheFamilyAdvisoryCouncilwascreatedin2008tobridgethegapbetweenfamiliesandChildren’sHospitalstaffinpatientcare.Thecouncilgivespatientfamiliesavoiceindeterminingtheprogramsandpoliciesthataffecttheirchildren’scareatthehospital. Someofthecouncil’saccomplishmentsinthepastyearincludedprovidinginputandsupportforthenewTobacco-FreePolicythatwentintoeffectonJanuary1.Thecouncilalsohelpedwiththe“NoSurprises”initiativetokeeppatientfamiliesinformedaboutmedicalproceduresandbillinginformationbeforetheyarriveatthehospital. Lookingtothefuture,councilmembersarefilming“FamilyStories”tobeusedfortrainingnewemployeesand

physiciansbeginninginMarch.Councilmemberswillalsoprovideinputforparkinggarageimprovementstomakeparkingeasierforfamiliesincaseofanemergency. SeveralChildren’sHospitalstaffmembersprovidesupportforthe14-memberFamilyAdvisoryCouncil:LauraBarnes,VicePresidentforPatientCareServices;Dr.JoeChilds,VicePresidentofMedicalServices;KeithGoodwin,Children’sHospitalPresident/CEO;andMaryPegler,DirectorofChildLife. Amongitsmanyobjectives,theFamilyAdvisoryCouncilaimstoprovideinputforhospitalfacilityplanninganddevelopment,supporthospitaldepartmentsbyofferingfeedbackandadviceforvariousprojects,provideoversightforotherhospital-relatedfamilycommitteesandcouncils,andeducateparentsandstaffmembersonavarietyoftopics. TheFamilyAdvisoryCouncilwelcomescomments,ideasandsuggestions.Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationaboutthecouncilorwanttogetinvolved,visitChildren’sHospital’swebsiteatwww.etch.com.

by Claire Quinn, student intern

Family Advisory Council gives hospital support and guidance

Henley Bridge closed for 24-30 months Getting to Children’s Hospital from south of the city of Knoxville may be a bit more difficult for the next two to three years. The Tennessee Department of Transportation closed the Henley Bridge in Knoxville on January 3 for an estimated 24-30 months for an extensive bridge rehabilitation project. TDOT contractor Britton Bridge, LLC, will carefully dismantle the bridge

down to the concrete arches, which will be salvaged. An estimated 24,000 tons of concrete and 800 tons of steel will be recycled as crews remove it from the structure. Work is expected to take place six days a week for 10-12 hours each day. TDOT staff are closely monitoring the official detour route from Chapman Highway to Moody Avenue to James White Parkway. TDOT is also working with the City of Knoxville to monitor alternate routes. “We realize that this is a new traffic pattern, and we evaluate signalization, pavement markings and signage to help the motorist to adjust to the detour around the Henley Bridge,” TDOT Region One Director Steve Borden said. “We ask that drivers pay close attention to the signs and remain patient while travelers learn the new traffic pattern.” Meanwhile, detour maps and Henley brochures are available at the Henley Bridge Community Center at 220 East Blount Avenue, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is (865) 577-6988. For more information, detour maps and video of the project (via cameras on top of Neyland Stadium and Mercy Riverside, formerly known as Baptist Hospital), visit www.tn.gov/henley or follow the project at twitter.com/HenleyBridge.

The official detour

will utilize James White

Parkway and Moody

Avenue.

Chapman Highway will NOT close. Access between Moody Avenue and Blount Avenue will be maintained.

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What’s New atKnoxville recreation centers host art projects for Art of Healing program

  In an effort to brighten the halls and walls of Children’s Hospital for the “Art of Healing” program, Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center conducted three art projects for children at recreation centers around Knoxville in 2010. These projects resulted in an outlet of expression for the children creating the art at the recreation centers, as well as colorful artwork for patients at Children’s Hospital to enjoy. The latest art project took place at the Cal Johnson Recreation Center and was led by Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center Director Cathy Maples, who spent an afternoon with the children creating watercolor paintings of things enjoyed in nature. Rainbows and sunflowers were just a few of the creative paintings that resulted from the theme. Once the paintings were finished, they were matted and given to Children’s Hospital to display on patient floors. “This project was developed to be a fun and rewarding experience for the recreation center children,” said Elise Murphy, art specialist at Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center. “It provided them with a chance to express themselves while knowing that their finished pieces would not be their own, but rather would go to the hospital to be placed on display and brighten the halls of the public areas and patient floors.” The artwork created by the children at the recreation centers will soon be seen throughout the hospital, where it will serve to inspire and encourage children their own age who are going through a potentially difficult time.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

Children’s Hospital and the University of Tennessee Medical Center have entered into a collaboration involving the provision of nurse staffing for the UT Medical Center pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Beginning January 15, this unit (which provides Level I pediatric trauma care as well as advanced care for pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery and/or renal transplants) is now staffed by intensive care nurses from Children’s Hospital. The collaboration assures patients requiring intensive care at either hospital will continue to receive the very best care possible. Under this management agreement, the PICU at UT Medical Center will be staffed by Children’s Hospital nursing employees. Physician staffing remains the same, as the hospitals have long allowed doctors to have privileges at both facilities. Allied health professionals, including audiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, registered dietitians and care management associates, will remain employees of UT Medical Center. The organizational shift for the nursing staff allows the flexibility for registered nurses and nursing assistants to move between Children’s Hospital and UT Medical Center, depending on the patient care needs at either/both institutions. The model is expected to result in more consistent nursing coverage and the ability to “flex” up and down as patient demands change. This collaboration reflects an ongoing commitment by both UT

Medical Center and Children’s Hospital to work together to assure the continued advancement of the highest quality of care for the children of our region. As the only comprehensive regional pediatric center in East Tennessee, Children’s Hospital serves as the safety net provider for pediatric care. As the region’s only Level I trauma center, UT Medical Center provides essential support for children suffering from trauma as well as serving as the home for both pediatric heart surgery and renal transplantation. “As an intensive care unit physician who has provided care in both hospitals for 10 years, I see this nursing collaboration agreement providing the opportunity to enhance the care of critically ill or injured children in our region,” said Dr. Joe Childs, Vice President for Medical Services at Children’s Hospital. “Trauma needs are high at UT Medical Center during the warmer months, and critical illnesses increase during the fall and winter at Children’s Hospital. This system allows the experts in pediatric critical care nursing from both institutions to combine into one coordinated team, with the ability to flex to the area with the highest demands.” The new agreement does not have an impact on neonatal intensive care, as both hospitals will continue to independently operate their Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Additionally through the agreement, the care for general pediatric cases currently at UT Medical Center will now be shifted to Children’s Hospital.

Children’s Hospital, UT Medical Center collaborate for enhanced pediatric care

Children participate

in one of the art classes last fall at the Cal Johnson Recreation Center.

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What’s New atTIPQC and Children’s Hospital focus on

reducing Tennessee’s infant mortality rate  The perinatal period, or the time right before and after the birth of a child, is a critical part of a baby’s life. It is during this time that a variety of conditions can arise and eventually lead to one of the many diseases that can cause the death of a newborn. The state of Tennessee has one of the highest rates of infant mortality nationwide, and when compared to other states, Tennessee is ranked 45 out of 50. That’s why the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) was created just a few years ago—to focus exclusively on improving health outcomes for mothers and infants throughout the state by uniting hospitals in a perinatal quality collaborative designed to improve birth outcomes and implement performance improvement initiatives. The stakeholders that have united to form this collaborative include 25 of 27 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) statewide. With East Tennessee Children’s Hospital as a participating hospital, this collaboration set goals that include decreasing the chances of infant death and sickness by promoting practices that decrease the risk of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) and by promoting breastfeeding. Children’s Hospital was the lead hospital in the TIPQC’s CLABSI project, which focuses on the elimination of CLABSI in participating NICUs. Beginning in 2010, this project was piloted by Children’s Hospital as well as Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Johnson City Medical Center, TC Thompson Children’s Hospital in

Chattanooga and the TIPQC team. This effort proved to be successful within its first year by decreasing CLABSI occurrences at Children’s Hospital from 20 to three. Through this initiative, breastfeeding was identified as an extremely necessary activity to provide immunization to babies during the later part of the perinatal stage as well. Not only does breast milk offer more immunity from diseases to babies, but it also plays a significant role in reducing infant morbidity (illness and disease) rates. Children’s Hospital became a pilot organization in promoting breastfeeding to new mothers through TIPQC and joined with other hospitals throughout Tennessee in this initiative. There are now 16 participating hospitals, with the objective of “decreasing the rate of non-human milk feeding infants 50 percent by December 2011.” (See related story on page 8). Children’s Hospital’s participation in these efforts puts its mission of “Leading the Way to Healthy Children” into action and has a great deal of support from its staff members. “The staff at Children’s Hospital takes this very seriously,” said Sheri Smith, Children’s Hospital Nursing Director for Critical Care Services. “We have a culture of safety, and saving lives is behind the passion of everything we do.” Other states with perinatal quality care initiatives include Ohio, California, North Carolina and Wisconsin. For more information about the TIPQC, visit www.tipqc.org.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

Children’sHospitalanditsaffiliateofficesarenowofficiallytobacco-freeandsmoke-freecampusesasofJanuary1.Thehospitalbannedindoorsmokingmanyyearsago;thischangeextendsthebantoalloutdoorareasofthehospital’sproperties,aswell.Thehospital’spropertiesincludethemaincampusonClinchAvenueinKnoxvilleaswellastheChildren’sHospitalRehabilitationCenter,Children’sHospitalHomeHealthCare,Children’sWestSurgeryCenterandphysicianofficesmanagedbythehospital. Children’sHospitaljoinedtheKnoxvillearea’sotherhospitalsandhospitalsystems–theUniversityofTennesseeMedicalCenter,BlountMemorialHospital,CovenantHealthandMercyHealthPartners–tomakethischangeatthestartof

thenewyear.Underthetobacco-freepolicy,Children’sHospitalemployeesarenotpermittedtousetobaccoofanykindduringtheirshift,evenoff-site.Thisistoensurethesmellofsmokeisnotpresentonstaffclothing,aseventhescentoftobaccosmokecanbebothersometosensitivepatients,guestsandotheremployees.FamilyandvisitorstoChildren’sHospitalarenotabletousetobaccoproductsonthehospital’scampusoraffiliatesitesbutmayleavethepropertiesiftheywishtosmokeoruseothertobaccoproducts. NewcampussignageinEnglishandSpanishonallthehospital’spropertiesreflectsthepolicychange,andsmokingcessationresourcesareavailabletoguestswhodesiresuchinformation;inaddition,guestscannowpurchasenicotinereplacementtherapyguminthehospital’sGiftShop.FreesmokingcessationcounselingisavailableforinterestedhospitalstaffthroughtheEmployeeHealthandWellnessoffice. AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention,TennesseehasthesixthhighestpercentageofsmokersintheUnitedStatesandthe14thhighestpercentageofsmokelesstobaccoproductusers.Tobacco-relateddiseasescausemorethan443,000deathseveryyearinAmerica,makingittheleadingcauseofpreventabledeathintheUnitedStates.TobaccoalsocoststheUnitedStatesmorethan$193billioneachyearduetohealthcarecostsandlostproductivitywhileatwork.In2008,45percentofhospitalsintheUnitedStatesweretobacco-free.

Hospital properties now tobacco-free

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What’s New atGraduate Nurse Orientation Program

helps prepare new nurses for their careers Children’s Hospital is making significant efforts to recruit and retain the brightest nursing school graduates in the region. The recruitment of nursing students begins during their junior year of nursing school. Usually about 150 – 200 nursing students apply to be externs, and only a small group of the best-qualified students are selected. Each nurse is paired with a veteran member of the nursing staff to learn basic patient care and observe advanced skills. The externs spend four weeks on each of the Children’s Hospital inpatient floors and spend one day each in the Emergency Department, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Outpatient Surgery and Clinics. As nursing students near the end of their studies, Children’s Hospital conducts peer interviews to choose the best candidates to hire upon graduation from nursing school. Graduate nurses who accept offers are required to go through an extensive orientation. Nurses assigned to medical units receive 12 weeks of orientation, while critical care nurses complete a 16-week orientation. “My orientation at Children’s Hospital prepared me for my career as a nurse,” said Josh Picquet, 2007 graduate nurse. “First time, real-world nursing experiences for entry-level nurses can be extremely intimidating and often discourage new nurses to continue their career path. Children’s Hospital has a deep commitment to the development of the new nurse, and new graduate nurses are given special attention and comprehensive instruction. Children’s Hospital clearly understands the effect nurse development has on patient care quality.”

During the first week of orientation, Children’s Hospital hosts a breakfast for graduate nurses and the nurse colleagues who will orient them. The event is intended to help start a relationship between the graduates and experienced nurses. “Institutional research has shown that a graduate nurse’s success depends on establishing positive relationships with coworkers, so every step is taken to ensure that graduate nurses feel comfortable and part of the Children’s Hospital family,” said Karen Burchfield, RN Staff Educator. During orientation, graduate nurses choose a mentor who will provide guidance and support during their first year at the hospital. The mentor/graduate nurse relationship also helps the new graduate make connections to the team of nurses in their assigned work area. “The orientation program is unique in that it also creates a social atmosphere that they can’t teach in nursing school. Children’s Hospital makes it abundantly clear what teamwork looks like and why it works,” said Marshay James, 2009 graduate nurse. Colleagues are required to attend a two-day course which teaches how to successfully encourage, instruct and support their new counterparts. Colleagues also complete a weekly progress report on each graduate nurse, which is monitored by the graduate nurse coordinator. The coordinator is available at all times for meetings with graduates, nurse managers, directors and colleagues to monitor the graduates’ progress and address any problems or issues that arise. Nurse managers also complete a progress report on each graduate nurse they supervise. The report assesses retention risks, tardiness, absentee problems, skill deficiencies and medication calculation errors. The progress report helps identify and correct problems early to ensure the success of the graduate. Six months after graduate nurses are hired, Children’s Hospital hosts a retention conference for graduates as well as nurse managers and unit educators. All graduates are surveyed to determine what topics and skills they have mastered and which ones they need to improve upon. The topics that need improvement are presented at the one-day retention workshop. After graduate nurses have been at the hospital for one year, they attend a second retention workshop and complete a follow-up needs assessment survey. Based on the results of the survey, the Children’s Hospital Education Department makes changes to their orientation curriculum so that the next class of graduate nurses benefits from the insight provided by the survey results. Since the graduate nurse program began, Children’s Hospital has seen improvement in the retention of quality nurses. “We pride ourselves on being the main regional training site of pediatric nurses. It is crucial that new graduates engage in our pediatric nursing vision and philosophy within the first year, or we run the risk of losing them,” said Lorisa Williams, Director of Education. “The national turnover rate for nurses within the first year of employment is 35 - 60 percent. Children’s Hospital consistently has a turnover rate less than 30 percent.” The Education Department continues to improve the graduate nurse program to ensure Children’s Hospital retains the very best candidates for the demanding world of pediatric nursing.

by Hayley Martin, Public Relations Specialist

New graduate nurses

work closely with experienced nurse colleagues throughout

their orientation.

15

Growing up during the Great Depression in rural East Tennessee, Leon Arms remembers how challenging it was for many families to make ends meet. Although times were tough, Mr. Arms says his childhood days were filled with many happy moments, including the summers he spent playing baseball on youth leagues in his hometown of Maynardville. His carefree days of youth suddenly changed in 1937, when the then-13-year-old boy fell from a horse and fractured his spine. At first, Mr. Arms said he didn’t think he was seriously injured. However, over the next several months, his friends and family began to notice a distinctive limp in his gait. A neighbor had heard about a new children’s hospital in Knoxville and suggested he go there for treatment. Doctors at the hospital discovered that although Mr. Arms’ fracture had healed, his injury had led to the development of scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. He needed to wear a brace to correct the curved spine. Although his back has never returned to normal, Mr. Arms says he has always been grateful for the care he received at Children’s Hospital. Now, 74 years later, Mr. Arms says he still remembers how well he and his family were treated at the hospital. “My family had no money to pay for my treatment, but the hospital took care of me anyway,” said Mr. Arms. “I never forgot that.” A retired businessman, Mr. Arms donates money to the hospital every year and has included the hospital in his estate plans. “My grandfather used to tell me that when someone does something nice for you, you have an obligation to do something nice for them,” Mr. Arms said. “I wanted to give something back to help the children at Children’s Hospital. Even when I was younger, my family didn’t have a lot of money but we always helped out any way we could.”

Mr. Arms remembers what Children’s Hospital was like when it first opened in the late 1930s, and he has seen it expand to become the large medical center it is today. “Children’s Hospital has helped so many children over the years, and I am grateful for all they were able to do for me when I needed them,” he said. “I’ve lived a good life because of them.” A charitable bequest as a part of your estate plans is an easy way to support the mission of Children’s Hospital. Plus, you have the flexibility to adjust your plans as your circumstances change. There are several ways to make a bequest that provides for your family or loved ones while also supporting Children’s Hospital in the future. You may consider a specific bequest (a designated item such as

a home to your closest heirs), a general bequest (a sum of money that would come out of your estate), a contingent bequest (a bequest made on the condition that a certain event occurs before the distribution is made), or a residual bequest (all the “rest, residue and remainder” of an estate after all other bequests, debts and taxes have been paid). Your estate planning attorney or financial advisor will be able to devise a plan that will help you achieve your goals. If you would like to remember Children’s Hospital in your will, please contact us to obtain the official language you can share with your estate planning advisor. We can’t say thank you enough to all the generous supporters who have helped advance the hospital’s healing mission. We realize many of you have remembered Children’s Hospital in your estate plans, and for many different reasons, have chosen not to reveal your intentions to us. To this visionary group of friends, we express our sincere gratitude. If you decide to share your intentions with us, we would love the opportunity to say thanks in person. Of course, we also promise to respect your desire to remain anonymous if you so choose. Please contact the Development Department at (865) 541-8441 if you need assistance or further information.

Planned giving

Children’s Hospital license plates add flair to any car Purchasing a Children’s Hospital license plate is one of the easiest ways to help Children’s Hospital. The Children’s Hospital specialty plate, often seen on cars throughout the Knoxville area, was approved by the Tennessee legislature in 2002 and designed by artists from Morris Creative Group in Knoxville. More than $98,000 has been raised for the hospital through sales of the plates since that time. These funds support the hospital’s Faith Fund endowment, which helps Children’s Hospital provide the important services of Child Life, Pastoral Care and Social Work for patients and their families.

To keep these specialty plates on the road, at least 1,000 must be in circulation at all times. The cost of a plate is $35 in addition to each county’s renewal fee, with the hospital receiving nearly $16 dollars from each plate sold. To purchase a plate, go to your local County Clerk’s office, take in your registration and old license plate, and ask for the specialty plate.

If you have questions about the specialty license plate, contact your local County Clerk’s office or the hospital’s Development Department at (865) 541-8441.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

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Star 102.1 Radiothon Don’t forget to “tune in for the children” during the 10th annual Star 102.1 Radiothon on March 24-25 at West Town Mall. The station’s morning personalities, Mark & Kim and Frank, will broadcast live from the mall both days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Listeners can call in and make a financial pledge to support Children’s Hospital. Last year the event raised more than $209,000 for Children’s Hospital Home Health Care and the hospital’s CarePages service. Since its start in 2002, the Star 102.1 Radiothon has raised more than $1.4 million for Children’s Hospital.

Cutest Little Baby Face Parents, grandparents, friends and shoppers have the chance to pick the cutest baby in Knoxville in May at West Town Mall. Children will have their photographs taken by professional photographers from Images By Design Studios in Knoxville on April 30 and May 1. Photographs will be posted at West Town Mall for voting on May 14. Children ages 6 and younger are eligible to participate; registration for the event is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The fee includes a 5x7 portrait of the participating child, a T-shirt and a goody bag.

A $1 donation to Children’s Hospital counts as 100 votes. The child with the most votes is named the winner and will be announced on May 14 during the “Baby Face Parade.” The Knoxville “Cutest Little Baby Face” contest is sponsored by Tellico Village Kiwanis. Last year Knoxville’s first-ever “Cutest Little Baby Face” contest raised more than $11,000 for Children’s Hospital. Contestants may pre-register by completing a registration form online at http://cutestbabyknox.com/registration.aspx. For questions, call Alexis Niceley with the Children’s Hospital Development office at (865) 541-8745.

Baseball for Babies The ninth annual Baseball for Babies tournament will take place June 2-5 at various Knoxville-area baseball parks. The Hayes family of New Market sponsors the yearly baseball tournament in memory of their daughter, Nancy Hayes, a former patient who passed away in the hospital’s Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Last year’s event raised more than $22,500 for Children’s Hospital. For more information, contact Lenny Hayes at (865) 441-1367.

by Claire Quinn, student intern

Calendar of Events

Huey Lewis and the News to bring “Heart of Rock and Roll” to Children’s With 13 Top Ten Hits, 11 album releases, a Grammy Award for Best Music Video and an Academy Award nomination, Huey Lewis and the News has brought “The Power of Love” to audiences for more than 30 years. On April 9, they will bring their talents to the Knoxville Convention Center for the 19th annual Center Stage, a dinner and concert benefit for Children’s Hospital. Huey Lewis and the News has been performing for more than three decades since they were formed by combining two rival Bay Area bands in 1979. They have sold more than 20 million records worldwide and have had many Top Ten Hits, including “Stuck With You,” “Workin’ For A Livin” and “Heart of Rock & Roll.” Huey Lewis and the News perform 60-70 concerts a year. Their song, “The Power of Love,” earned them an Academy Award nomination in 1986 and the No. 1 slot on Billboard’s singles chart. That song, along with “Back In Time,” was written and performed by them for the popular film Back To The Future. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will kick off Center Stage, followed by dinner and Huey Lewis and the News’ performance. A dance band will perform after the concert to wrap up the evening.

Mark your calendars NOW for several upcoming events to entertain families and benefit Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the generous people of East Tennessee who host and participate in these events,

Children’s Hospital can continue to provide the best pediatric health care to the children of this region.

Patron, Benefactor and Corporate Supporter tables are available at $10,000, $6,000 and $3,000, respectively. Each table seats 10 guests. If space allows, individual tickets will be sold for $300 each. To purchase tables or tickets, call the Children’s Hospital Development Department at (865) 541-8441.

by Taylor Griffin, student intern

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Q&A

Each day in the United States, nearly 400 children are treated in a hospital emergency department as a result of being poisoned. In most cases, these poisonings are accidental and preventable. Children are naturally curious, and when they see a parent using something such as a household cleaner or cosmetics, they may copy the behavior. Children may think some poisons are good things to eat, drink or play with, or they may confuse products with things to eat or drink. Spring cleaning is right around the corner, so now is a great time to re-check cabinet locks and safe storage places for potentially hazard-ous substances in your home.

What common household items could be poisonous for my child? Many household items used every day may pose a hazard to your child. Some of the most common include drain cleaner, oven cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, bleach, dishwasher detergent, furniture polish and rust remover. The substance cadmium is used in manufacturing batteries, dyes, glasses and ceramics, and it is dangerous if ingested by small children. Miniature button batteries that are used in watches, calculators and hearing aids can cause poisoning and internal burns if ingested by your child. Remember to keep all batteries, house cleaners and other poisonous liquids in a locked area that is high enough so a child cannot reach it.

Why shouldn’t I reuse a food or drink container to store medication or a cleaning product? Children can be easily confused by a container that they recognize as one that stores food or drink. Make sure you keep medicines, pesticides and even detergents in their original containers. Never put poisonous or toxic products in unlabeled containers; this helps avoid accidentally mixing up what is edible and what is dangerous. Examples of look-alike toxic liquids and drinks are blue window cleaner and blue fruit-flavored drinks or pine cleaner and apple juice. Explain to your child the dangers of these substances that look similar, and teach your child to ask an adult before they eat or drink anything they are unsure of.

Where should I keep medicines and other dangerous substances? Once children are mobile, it is easy for them to get into dangerous substances in kitchen and bathroom cabinets or under sinks. To prevent accidental poisonings, store all hazardous items in areas that are well above a child’s normal reach, including closet shelves, overhead cabinets and storage containers with locks on them.

If dangerous items must be stored in reach of a child, install safety latches or locks on lower drawers and cabinets. Remember that some children are able to open child-resistant bottles, so these need to be locked away in a safe, elevated place as well.

What should be locked up in my garage that might poison a child? Many items stored in your garage are hazardous if consumed by an adult or child. The most common of these are gasoline, motor oil, kerosene, windshield washer fluid, pesticides, anti-freeze, fertilizers, paint remover and lighter fluids. If consumed, any of these substances can cause serious injury or death. Toxic substances should be kept in a locked cabinet in a hard-to-reach area. Remember to put these items away as soon as the adult is finished using them so that toxic substances aren’t left within a child’s reach. Residue can linger on a child’s toy for days, so clear all children’s toys from the garage when using dangerous liquids.

Safe at Home: Household items to watch for to keep your children poison-free

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Upcoming community education classesCPR Certification CourseDates: March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6Time: 6-10 p.m. This certification course teaches the American Heart Association chain of survival -- from when to call 911 to how to effectively administer CPR to an infant, child or adult. This course is designed for anyone who may be expected to respond to emergencies at home or in the workplace. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Following the course, participants will receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver certification card. This course is $25 per person.

Safe SitterDates: February 26, April 2, April 16, May 14, May 21Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch is provided) Safe Sitter is a national organization that teaches young adolescents safe and nurturing babysitting techniques and the rescue skills needed to respond appropriately to medical emergencies. Instructors

are certified through Safe Sitter nationally. Participants must be ages 11-14. This course is $25 per person.

Class size is limited, so preregistration is required. All classes are offered in the Koppel Plaza at Children’s Hospital unless otherwise noted. For more information, to register for any of these classes orto receive our free Healthy Kids parenting newsletter, call(865) 541-8262. Announcements about upcoming classes can be seen on WBIR-TV 10 and heard on area radio stations. Or visit our web site atwww.etch.com. Children’s Hospital’s Healthy Kids Campaign, sponsored by WBIR-TV Channel 10 and Chick-Fil-A, is a community education initiative of the hospital’s Community Relations Department to help parents keep their children healthy.

Content edited and abridged from the KidsHealth section of www.etch.com. © 2011 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. Used under license.

Is it safe to carry medications and other items in my purse? Cosmetics, medications, vitamins and other personal care items found in your purse are potentially hazardous. A tube of bright red lipstick or a bottle of coated pills may look like candy to a baby but can cause severe illness if swallowed. Avoid letting a child go through your purse if you carry pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), because these are poisonous when taken in large doses. To keep hazardous substances away from small hands, move purses, luggage and grocery bags to a hard-to-reach area for children or store your purse on a high shelf. Unpack anything potentially dangerous from your grocery bag before you leave the area.

I have heard I should never tell my child that medication is candy. Why? Nearly half of all child poisonings involve medicine. Even if you’re trying to get a reluctant child to take medication, don’t treat the medicine as something good to eat. Children may think the pill or cough syrup is OK to eat all of the time, especially children’s vitamins that have a pleasant taste. It is shocking how similar candy and medicines look. Some examples are Dayquil capsules and Mike and Ike’s candy; Sudafed and Red Hots candy; and colored Tums and NECCO wafers. (See pictures at right). Children learn by imitation, so take your own medicine when your child isn’t watching.

What household plants are dangerous? Although flowers and houseplants make a colorful addition to the house, it is important to realize that some of those can be dangerous when consumed. Common poisonous flowers are azaleas, hydrangeas and wisterias. Poisonous houseplants include dumb cane, cadmium, holly and mistletoe. If you’re unsure if a plant is poisonous, take a clipping of it to a local nursery for help.

Don’t use surface or crystallized fertilizer on house plants, because this may be toxic to your child if swallowed. Avoid putting small rocks in soil for potted plants, because they can be a choking hazard. To keep your child from digging in your house plants, cut a piece of fine chicken wire or cardboard to fit the pot and place it over the dirt.

All of these precautionary steps are important to remember with young children in the house. Spending some time educating your children about the dangers of consuming poisonous liquids, batteries, medicines or other materials will benefit both parent and child by reducing potential trips to the emergency room.

Compiled by Claire Quinn and Taylor Griffin, student interns

One of these gingerbread houses is decorated with candy and the other one is decorated with medicine. Can you tell which is which?

Answer: Candy house is on the left and medicine house is on the right.

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Scenes from the 2011 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Telethon for East Tennessee

Children’s HospitalJanuary 30, 2011