Legal Nurse Podcast

Legal Nurse Podcast


652 – Pediatric ER Nursing: Unique Challenges, Life-Threatening Emergencies, and Legal Implications – Dr. Chelsea Collins

July 14, 2025

On this episode of the Legal Nurse Podcast, host Pat Iyer delves into the high-stakes world of pediatric emergency care with expert guest Dr. Chelsea Collins, a seasoned emergency department and forensic nurse. Together, they shine a spotlight on the unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by pediatric patients—and the medical teams who care for them—in the fast-paced ER environment. Dr. Collins draws on her extensive experience to expose the complexities behind assigning responsibility, the differences in assessment techniques between inpatient and emergency settings, and the realities of working in a team under constantly shifting conditions. Listeners will gain critical insight into the most serious emergencies involving children, from respiratory crises to life-threatening fevers, and learn why children are not just "little adults" when it comes to dosages and treatment protocols. Dr. Collins explains essentials like weight-based dosing, the lifesaving role of Broselow tape, and how ER staff navigate situations when time won’t allow for careful measurement—a crucial look into the behind-the-scenes decisions that can mean life or death. The episode also focuses on vital legal considerations such as EMTALA (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) and the nuances of handling pregnant pediatric patients, revealing just how intricate and specialized pediatric emergency care has become. This episode promises an eye-opening look into cases where every detail—and every second—matters. What you’ll learn in this episode on Pediatric ER Nursing Watch this on our LegalNurseBusiness channel on YouTube for the full experience. How does the team dynamic and patient assignment work in a constantly changing emergency department, especially during critical situations with pediatric patients? What types of assessments are performed on pediatric patients in the emergency department, and how do they differ from inpatient head-to-toe assessments? Which pediatric emergencies raise the most concern among emergency department staff, and why are respiratory issues particularly critical in children? How are medication dosages accurately determined for pediatric patients in urgent or high-pressure situations, and what tools are used to support this process? What legal and practical protocols, such as EMTALA, ensure the stabilization and appropriate transfer of patients—particularly vulnerable or uninsured children and pregnant teenagers—in emergency departments? Listen to our podcasts or watch them using our app, Expert.edu, available at legalnursebusiness.com/expertedu. Get the free transcripts and also learn about other ways to subscribe. Go to Legal Nurse Podcasts subscribe options by using this short link: http://LNC.tips/subscribepodcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkkSNou9Izg Grow Your LNC Business 12th LNC SUCCESS® ONLINE CONFERENCE November 13, 14 & 15, 2025 Gain Specialized Skills That Attorneys Value Learn advanced techniques in deposition analysis, case screening, and report writing to provide high-impact services that attorneys need and trust. Stay Competitive with Cutting-Edge Strategies Discover how AI tools, LinkedIn marketing, and expert insights can help you streamline your workflow, attract more clients, and position yourself as a top-tier LNC. Build Meaningful Connections with Experts & Peers Network with experienced LNCs, attorneys, and industry leaders who can provide guidance, referrals, and opportunities to grow your legal nurse consulting business. Register now- Limited spots available Your Presenters for Pediatric ER Nursing Dr. Chelsea Collins Nurse. Professor. Policy Wonk. A nurse for over a decade, Dr. Collins started out in the ER as a new graduate with her associates in nursing. She advanced her education later obtaining her BSN and her DNP from Johns Hopkins University as a Clinical Nurse ...