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Thursday, September 20, 2012
Learning Objective 1: 1)The learner will be able to discuss the impact of improper use of child safety restraints on child mortality.
Learning Objective 2: 2)The learner will be able to discuss how nursing students and other nurses may obtain certification as Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
There is an increased focus on how Sigma Theta Tau members can have an impact on improving healthcare via the achievement of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. One goal is to reduce the mortality rate for children. Improving motor vehicle safety is a critical area for fostering child health given that almost half of unintentional childhood deaths are caused by injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. In the US, it is estimated that up to 90% of child safety restraints are incorrectly installed by parents and other caregivers. In 2005 WKU, in conjunction with the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), began offering a Child Passenger Safety Course. The purpose of the course is to allow nursing students to become certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The course is supervised by WKU faculty members who are members of Kappa Theta. The 40 hour didactic and clinical education course uses training material developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Academic credit is awarded based on passing didactic and hands on skill evaluations, as well as participation in a community car seat check event. In addition, students are required to complete reflective journals and develop education materials (e.g., posters, brochures, letters to newspapers) that can be utilized to educate healthcare providers and other community leaders about proper use of child safety restraints. Benefits to local communities include: promoting child safety through education and service and increasing the number of Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians in local communities (103 new technicians have been certified through the class since 2005). Benefits to students include: enhancing professional resume as a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, having the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary service learning and practicing communication, leadership and health education skills in community settings with individuals and families.