Nursing

Nursing

Using a family-centered approach, the nursing staff at Blythedale embraces not only the care of the medically complex child, but of their family as well. The skills and expertise of our nurses enables them to care for infants and children with a wide range of diagnoses and complicated medical conditions.  

The focus of our care is on the possibilities of each child and family for healing, for learning and for progress. We individualize the plan of care to incorporate each family's goals as we recognize that every child and parent has unique needs and strengths. Our hands-on nursing approach directly impacts our patients' physical, social and emotional health. 

The majority of our patients come from acute care hospitals and intensive care units. Nursing plays a key role in assisting families with the transition to an acute rehabilitation environment. Our compassion and expertise in caring for medically complex children makes us uniquely equipped to teach parents the skills needed to return home.

Contact Information:

  • Jill Wegener, M.S.N., R.N., Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Patient Care Services
  • jwegener@blythedale.org

Nursing Staff

Jill Wegener, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Patient Care Services
Jill Wegener, M.S.N., R.N.
Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer and Patient Care Services

Blythedale's 100% RN staff is pediatric trained in caring for medically fragile children, the majority of whom are NICU/PICU and PALS (pediatric advanced life support) trained. In addition, all nurses are trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. In addition, the department has eight board certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence nurses.

Malka on the Move

Eight-year-old Malka contracted an infection last spring that attacked her heart. She and her family visited a cardiologist in June, who diagnosed her with tachyarrhythmia because her heart rate was too fast. 

She needed a new heart. So, to keep her alive until one could be found, doctors performed lifesaving surgery on Malka and implanted an LVAD in her chest.

Watch Malka thrive at Blythedale Children's Hospital as she strengthens her heart, body and mind in preparation for transplant surgery with the help of nursing staff, doctors, therapists and other members of her multidisciplinary team.