St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility anywhere. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

We are where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly. Where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients. Where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay. We've built America's 3rd-largest health-care charity, with a model that keeps the costs down and the funds flowing, so the science never stops.

Nursing Education


Orientation

St. Jude Nursing Education has recently switched to "case based" learning. Classroom efforts are based on patient cases - not dull, encyclopedic textbook learning. Case learning involves an interactive classroom that deals with realistic and specific healthcare situations. Educators work through these cases with orientees.

Staff Development

Continuing Education
St. Jude Nursing Education is a nationally approved provider of nursing contact hours. We provide workshops and seminars, including nationally-known speakers. We have eight approved ONS Chemotherapy trainers.

In-services include:

* Preceptor training
* Advanced Directive Training
* Practically Perfect Pediatric Peripheral Punctures
* Shared Decision Making

Competencies

Nurses at St. Jude perform vastly different tasks, depending on the areas in which they work. For instance, a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit administers hemofiltration (a blood purification system) therapy on a regular basis, whereas a nurse in Stem Cell Transplant often troubleshoots problems with stem cell infusion. A nurse in the Operating Room must know how to position a surgical patient on the operating room table; a nurse in Sedation must be able to administer sedation safely.


International Outreach Nursing School

Modern pediatric Hematology/Oncology is a multidisciplinary specialty with the nurse being an integral member of the team. In 1993, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital began its International Outreach program in El Salvador with an assessment of the nursing staff at the Hospital Benjamin Bloom. Morale, skills and resources were low. The status was yet lower: nurses were NOT considered professionals; they were poorly paid; the majority needed two jobs; infection control was non-existent; they had never received training in basic Hematology/Oncology (HEM/ONC). Most important they did not feel part of the multidisciplinary team.