Information for Nurses

Patient and Family-Centered Model of Care

We believe that the family is the primary source of strength and support for the children, adolescents and adults we serve. We view family members as vital to enhancing the patient's health and well-being. We respect and honor the beliefs, values, and perspectives of each patient and family member, regardless of their circumstances. We strive to demonstrate compassion, respect, collaboration, support and advocacy for each patient and family member.

Arkansas Children's nurses partner with patients, families and other disciplines to plan, deliver, and evaluate individualized care which achieves optimal outcomes for each patient. Nurses also collaborate with patients, families, and other providers to create an empowered environment where "best practices" can be evaluated and implemented to assure safe, evidence-based and comprehensive care.

Evidence-Based Practice Professional Practice Model

Arkansas Children's nurses embody patient- and family-centered care through our practice model, which incorporates professional development, shared decision-making, interdisciplinary teamwork, and evidence-based practice. Arkansas Children's strives to create a nurturing professional development environment that empowers nurses to advance their education and skills to provide specialized care.

Arkansas Children's nurses are responsible for their own professional development and for nurturing the professional development of colleagues and students. Because we value the expert knowledge of our nurses, we believe that shared decision-making creates an environment of shared accountability for excellent outcomes. Interdisciplinary teamwork is also key to excellent outcomes. In this empowered environment, nursing care is planned, delivered, and evaluated using the principles of evidence-based practice. 

At Arkansas Children's we deeply value the vital role nurses play in delivering compassionate, high-quality care that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Through programs like the DAISY Award, Nursing Excellence Awards, and Preceptor of the Quarter, among many others, we honor their unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and commitment to taking care of our patients and families. Recognizing nurses not only celebrates their contributions but also reinforces our commitment to fostering a supportive, empowering environment that enables them to thrive and continue making a meaningful impact. 

At Arkansas Children's, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a crucial role in delivering specialized, high-quality care to children across the state. As highly trained healthcare professionals, APRNs provide expert clinical care, enhance patient outcomes, and improve access to essential medical services. From diagnosing and treating illnesses to leading innovative care initiatives, APRNs are integral to our mission of making children better today and healthier tomorrow.

Research and evidence-based practice (EBP) are among the many ways nurses provide exceptional care to the children and families we serve. The Nursing Research team is committed to leading professional excellence for all nurses at Arkansas Children's.

The team is engaged in conducting nurse-led inter-professional research studies and EBP projects. We offer a variety of services to frontline nurses, leaders, APRNs, shared decision-making councils, and others as requested. In addition, we offer regular education about research and EBP to hospital staff.

The Nursing Research department provides mentoring and assistance that allows nurses to develop and enhance their professional careers, leading them to the next level.

We can assist you with the following:

• Research study development
• Documentation development including protocols, consent, HIPAA and more
• Submission of abstracts
• Poster and podium presentations
• Manuscript development and submissions to professional journals
• UAMS IRb documentation and CLARA submissions, including Letters of Determination for quality improvement projects
• Survey development and administration
• Statistical analyses including qualitative theming
• EBP summaries
• Consulations and brainstorming sessions

Arkansas Children's provides pediatric clinical practice experience for nursing students who are currently enrolled in affiliated nursing programs. Clinical rotations allow students to work on practical nursing skills in general, emergency, acute and critical care areas to enhance their pediatric clinical knowledge and develop their practical skills. In addition to pre-licensure clinical rotations, we provide various placements for advanced nursing degree students and our academic partners.

High School and Adult Shadow Applications

Shadowing opportunities are available to high school and pre-nursing college students who are interested in a nursing career. Applicants may request shadowing opportunities once a year. More frequent shadowing opportunities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Please note the following:

• All applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to your requested shadow date.
• Adult shadow applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to your requested shadow date.
• Shadowing experiences for high school students will be arranged for 1 day, with a maximum of 3 days. *Based on ability to accommodate
• If you are a college student, please note that shadowing can be requested for 1-5 days.
• If you are a physician or medical student requesting to shadow, your experience may occur for up to 30 days.

Disclaimer

Shadowing application excludes healthcare professional students who are seeking an experience to fulfill a college or university curricular requirement. College students interested in this type of experience should contact their school directly to discuss options. Non-UAMS medical students must meet Visiting Student requirements with an affiliate medical college. For more information, contact Academic Nursing at academicnursingdepartment@archildrens.org.

Student Nurse Internship Program

Arkansas Children's Student Nurse Internship program offers a 12-month one-on-one precepted experience in direct patient care settings designed to enhance the student nurse experience and accelerate practice readiness. The program also fosters enculturation to the Arkansas Children's team and supports retention efforts across the system.

Please note that the SNI Program is only offered once a year, with a start date each June.