PITMAN, N.J., April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pediatric nurses are the frontline health care providers for children and adolescents, many of whom suffer from serious illnesses. Because the specialty calls for high-level critical thinking skills, nurses must constantly stay on top of the latest advances in care.

To help these nurses meet their education needs, Pediatric Nursing journal assembles the nation's top pediatric health care experts each year at its annual conference. This year, the meeting will be held June 23-25, 2011, in Lake Buena Vista, FL, and will cover topics that span the specialty.

The conference features three tracks: Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Leadership at the Point of Care, and Clinical Potpourri. Participants may focus on one track for targeted education in a specific area or mix and match tracks for a broader learning experience.

In addition to the education sessions, attendees will also network with their colleagues, enjoy special events, and view the latest pediatric health care products and services in the exhibit hall.

Full conference information is available at www.pedconference.net.

Pre-Conferences

Two pre-conference workshops are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, June 22 and 23. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Review Course, presented by Louise Jakubik, PhD, RN-BC, and Janice Selekman, DNSc, RN, NCSN, will span both days and will prepare nurses for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN®) exam and the Pediatric Nurse Examination (RN-BC). The course will offer practical tips for studying and test-taking. There will also be an in-depth pediatric nursing content review (13 contact hours; must attend both days).

On Thursday, June 23, Michael B. Grossman, DM, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNML, will present the pre-conference session, Sharpening Your Leadership Skills to Lead Effectively. He will discuss the many facets of effective leadership including visionary planning to fostering teamwork (6.5 contact hours).

Conference Program

Pamela Landwich, president of "Give Kids The World," a non-profit organization that offers joyful experiences to children facing life-threatening illnesses, will present the Opening Session, Give Kids the World – "Inspiring Hope Through Happiness," on Thursday, June 23. Landwich will describe the mission of her organization and how it has helped children and their families cope with severe illness.

On Friday, June 24, Dr. Selekman, who is an esteemed pediatric nursing leader and author, will deliver the conference Keynote Session, Bullying: It Isn't What It Used to Be. She will discuss how bullying has become an even more serious issue than in the past, the impact on both bully and target, and preventive measures to protect children.

Concurrent sessions will be held Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25. Topics include:

• Tools to improve adolescent immunization rates
• Managing pediatric asthma
• Sharpening pediatric laboratory interpretation skills
• Building a mentoring culture in nursing
• Dealing with conflict in emotionally stressful environments

Registration

Complete registration information is available at www.pedconference.net. For additional information, contact Pediatric Nursing at East Holly Avenue, Box 56, Pitman, NJ, 08071-0056; or e-mail pnconference@ajj.com.

SOURCE Pediatric Nursing