Neuropsychiatric Stabilization in Youths on the Autism Spectrum in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Call for Practice Standardization.

Introduction: Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric comorbidities, particularly autism spectrum disorder and developmental delays (ASD/DD), present unique challenges in pediatric emergency department (PED) settings. Youths with ASD/DD are prone to sensory overload and frequently exhibit agitation and/or aggression, necessitating specialized interventions. However, PEDs lack standardized protocols for managing behavioral dysregulation in this vulnerable population, often relying on anecdotal treatment approaches that hinder the provision of safe, effective and individualized care.

Implementing an Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening Tool With Migrant Children: A Quality Improvement Project Using the PEARLS Screening Tool.

Background: Immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees live with extreme stress, consistent vulnerability, and life-long health consequences. Children in these populations face an increased risk of poor mental health because of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Aim: To implement an ACE screening questionnaire for all migrant children aged < 19 years in a community shelter.

Publication patterns of graduates from a DNP program with submission of a manuscript as a degree requirement.

Background: Nurses who earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree are expected to make essential contributions to the scholarship of practice and the improvement of health care outcomes. The DNP program at Duke University School of Nursing requires that students demonstrate scholarship competence by writing a manuscript based on their DNP project and submitting it for publication.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to share an evaluation of the effectiveness of this approach.