CAPN Member, Bahorski, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC, Part of Winning Research Team at TMH

Representing the Pediatric Nursing Research Team at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Betsy Stoutamire, RN, CPN and Jessica Bahorski, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC, attended the 23th Annual Society of Pediatric Nurses Conference, April 11-14 in Nashville, TN. While there, the team’s poster was awarded a first place award for the ongoing research study on minimizing needlestick pain in pediatric patients.

The study, entitled Reduction of Perceived Pain and Distress During Venipuncture in the Pediatric Population, aims to find the most effective method for reducing pain in children during a needlestick procedure. The study compares LMX4®, a lidocaine based cream, to Buzzy®, a small device that vibrates and helps block pain from reaching the site. The study began in September 2011 with data collection scheduled to continue until fall 2013.

Winning in the research category, the poster was in competition with 110 others from organizations all over the country. Prizes were awarded in the categories of Clinical Practice, Education, Evidence-based Practice, and Research. Some of the other presenting organizations included: Mayo Clinic Children’s Center, Cook Children’s Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Children’s Mercy Hospital & Clinics, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Pictured are members of the research team (from L to R): Catherine Hanks, RN, CPN, Jessica Bahorski, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC, Roxanne Pickett Hauber, PhD, RN, CNE (FSU Nurse Scientist at TMH), Donna Ranner, RN, CPN, Kendal Mundy, BS, CCLS (child life specialist), and Betsy Stoutamire, RN, CPN