Scottish Rite Hospital is dedicated to providing staff the opportunities to be involved with outside medical associations to expand their knowledge and share their expertise. This week, members from our advanced practice providers (APP) team are attending the 39th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care in Chicago, IL. Sponsored by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), the meeting includes over 1,600 members from across the country to participate in hands-on workshops, various courses, presentations and more than 100 educational sessions to advance the quality of care for children.

Orthopedic nurse practitioner, Erica Flores Zepeda, MSN, RN, CPNP, PC, AC, is the current Chair of the Pediatric Interest Group for NAPNAP and was selected to lead an intensive orthopedic workshop during this four-day conference. The three-hour course titled, “Pediatric Ortho Pearls: Managing the Most Common Orthopedic Conditions,” provides nurse practitioners the opportunity to advance their knowledge on how to care for various pediatric orthopedic diagnoses. Zepeda has the opportunity to lead, alongside fellow pediatric orthopedic nurse practitioners, hands on splinting and casting, case presentations and X-ray interpretations. 

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practicioner, Ray Kleposki, R.N., M.S.N.,C.P.N.P., also participated in the national conference. Kleposki was selected to give a lecture on pediatric sports and overuse injuries. He shared his expertise in recognizing and treating common injuries in active children. 

Advanced Practice Providers (APP), which includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants, are an integral part to the heath care team at Scottish Rite Hospital and institutions everywhere. Our team of APP’s complete a comprehensive fellowship program which provides them with focused training within pediatric orthopedics. Both Zepeda and Kleposki are graduates of this fellowship. “Expanding my knowledge through ongoing education and participation within nationally recognized groups has allowed me to provide the best care to the patients,” says Zepeda. “It is an honor to be recognized as a leader in my field and be given the opportunity to collaborate and share my experience with fellow advance practice providers around the country.”