Early identification improves outcomes for vulnerable children in Richmond
For Debbie Brow, a Clinical Resource Nurse (CRN) in Public Health, support from the Kronier Family Education Fund means more vulnerable children in Richmond will receive the support they need to reach their optimum potential.
As a CRN, it’s Brow’s responsibility to ensure that Public Health Nurses working with the 0-5 year age group have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide standardized assessments.
“My goal is to be able to provide the most current and evidence-based education and training for all public health nurses in Richmond,” Brow said. “I want to support the nurses by enhancing their skills to problem solve and offer interventions and referrals when children are identified as vulnerable.”
More learning; improved care
To this end, Brow attended a Training of Trainers in Bloomington, Minnesota last June to learn about two screening tools to identify infants and young children at risk of developmental delays. “The assessment of the child may lead to interventions for the whole family,” Brow said. “I also learned about externalizing, internalizing and dysregulation behaviours. These are social-emotional red flags that can help identify children that need intervention, but are often missed.”
Course completion means Brow is now certified to provide standardized, interactive in-service training to Richmond Public Health Nurses. As a result, more PHNs and community partners will be able to identify and refer vulnerable children to much-needed services and programs. Early identification, added Brow, is paramount for preventing poor outcomes for children and their families.
“As a result of this training, I will ensure all new employees to public health receive this education each year,” Brow said. “I will also look for other opportunities to partner with licensed day cares and preschools in the community in order that other providers can also identify vulnerable children across Richmond.”
Supporting staff learning AND post-secondary education
In addition to supporting staff learning and education to strengthen clinical practice and improve patient care, the Kronier Family Education Fund is now offering scholarships/bursaries for post-secondary Certification/Diploma, Bachelor, Master or Doctorate degree for Leaders, Care Aides, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals and Physicians within the Richmond Community of Care.
Funds to strengthen clinical practice are granted throughout the year to all staff, leaders and physicians within Richmond who wish to attend a conference, workshop or course. Bursaries for post-secondary studies are awarded once-yearly.
Bursary application deadline is March 31.
For funding and bursary applications, or for more information, go to www.vch.ca/staff/richmond-education-fund/. If you have any questions, contact us at richmondeducation@vch.ca.