Pediatric Hospitalist Program:
It can be a stressful time when your child requires hospitalization. At St. Bernards, our pediatric floor is staffed with caring medical professionals who understand how scary hospitalization can be for both parents and children. When your child requires hospitalization, your primary care or emergency doctor will coordinate care with one of our highly trained and skilled pediatric hospitalists.
At St. Bernards, we have two full-time pediatric hospitalists, Dr. Cassandra Nosser and Dr. Hilliary Sismondo, both hospital-based specialized pediatricians. Our caring hospitalists ensure that your child's care is overseen by a professional that understands a child's growing and changing body. The pediatric hospitalist is available 24 hours a day, working closely with our team of specialized pediatric nurses to ensure your child's needs are met. Additionally, our pediatric hospitalists work with other hospitalists to provide coverage 24/7 to the pediatrics floor.
The pediatrics floor at St. Bernards is a 30-bed unit designated to receive infants, children, and adolescents who require medical care up to 18 years old. Patients can be admitted for short observation or prolonged medical treatment based on their medical needs.
During your child’s stay, the pediatric hospitalist team will:
- Guide you through admission to the hospital.
- Assess and treat your child’s medical condition.
- Regularly report progress to your child’s pediatrician.
- Coordinate your child’s care, including all tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or other procedures.
- Arrange any specialty care, therapy, or consultations with other providers.
- Be available to both you and your family to provide information and answer questions.
- Transition your child’s care back to his or her pediatrician upon discharge.
Pediatric Care and conditions most commonly treated:
- Care of newborns and conditions occurring around the time of birth
- Infections of the skin, urinary tract, intestine, etc.
- Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, croup, and other illnesses affect the nose, throat, and trachea.
- Infectious diseases of the blood, skin, lungs, and kidneys
- Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and asthma
- Common pediatric illnesses, such as flu, viral infections, and dehydration
Other conditions that can be managed at St. Bernards include:
- Conscious sedation
- Pediatric PICC lines
- ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) and basic general surgery consultations
- Circumcision, if not done by the PCP
- Respiratory Therapy services use respiratory-driven protocols and respiratory devices such as Intermittent and Continuous Nebulizer Therapy, Peak and Flow Oxygen Therapy, including Heated High Flow Nasal Cannula.
Newborn Nursery:
At St. Bernards, we understand the importance of the bond between parents and newborns. This is why after your baby is born, you will be able to stay together from birth until discharge. Once you have given birth, you will have the option of skin-to-skin and initiate early breastfeeding with your baby should you choose. Our nursing staff is trained to provide the best care for you and your baby during your entire hospitalization.
St. Bernards also has two nurse practitioners who have completed specialized training in the care of newborn infants. Brittney Martin and Leah Gathright will evaluate your baby and, together with the pediatric hospitalist, ensure no medical complications arise. If your baby requires more specialized medical care, our fully staffed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is available. Also, one of our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants will work with you if you choose to breastfeed. Our goal is that you feel prepared to take care of your baby by the time you go home. For more information, please visit our Lactation and Breastfeeding program.
At St. Bernards, we follow closely the recommendations provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding care at birth, glucose management, length of stay and required tests before discharge. At birth, your baby will receive vitamin K, antibiotic eye prophylaxis, and the hepatitis B vaccine if you so choose. Before discharge, we will evaluate your baby’s bilirubin level, perform a hearing screening, a congenital heart defect screen, and submit the state newborn screen. In some specific cases, we may also perform a car seat test. These interventions are all recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. At St. Bernards, your baby's health and safety are keys to a great start in their life.
Safe Sleep Practices for your newborn:
- Place infants on their backs for sleep in their own sleep space with no other people.
- Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet. Avoid sleep on a couch or armchair or in a seating device.
- Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumpers, and other soft items out of the sleep space. Bare is best.
- Breastfeed if possible, and avoid smoking.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep:
A: Baby should sleep alone.
B: Baby should sleep on their back. If your baby sleeps on their tummy, they can suffocate. This could happen if the mattress, blankets, pillows or stuffed animals covers their mouth and nose or if they spit up.
C: Baby should sleep in their crib or pack-in-play.