Learning never stops here.
With care this innovative, there’s always something new to share. Visit here often to read the latest findings and breakthroughs. Learn what’s new around the hospital. And get inspired by the stories of our incredibly brave patients and families.
Proving What We Know: The Launch of Ranken Jordan’s Research Department
Since opening in 1941, Ranken Jordan has been committed to caring for children with complex medical needs. At the end of 2024, we made a major step in advancing that mission beyond the walls of Ranken Jordan: we created an official research department and hired a full-time research director. The goal of our research department is to show what we at Ranken Jordan already know to be true–getting kids out of their hospital rooms and using the power of play leads to better health outcomes.
How Ranken Jordan created a summer camp for kids with complex medical needs
At Ranken Jordan, we strive to ensure our patients don’t miss out on rites of passage in childhood. Whether it’s swimming, trying a new sport, or telling Santa what they want for Christmas, we believe kids should be kids whether they’re in the hospital or not. That’s why we tried something new this year: a summer camp called Adventure ReimaginED. To the best of our knowledge, our camp is the only in-hospital camp in our region that invites children with complex medical issues and their siblings.
How one golfer is changing lives at Ranken Jordan–including his own
In 2011, St. Louis golf pro Kevin Corn was reading PGA Magazine and came across a Dallas junior golf program designed for kids with complex medical issues. As a St. Louis resident proud of the pediatric care our city is known for, he thought, “We should do that here but put it on steroids.” That is how Kevin started the junior golf program here at Ranken Jordan.
Inside Ranken Jordan’s pediatric aquatic therapy program, the only one of its kind in the region
You may not think of art when you hear the word hospital, but our art room is one of the most popular places at Ranken Jordan. And like many other activities and programs we offer at Ranken Jordan, art is more than just art to us–it’s a powerful tool that helps our kids heal.
Care Beyond the Bedside: How Ranken Jordan is reimagining pediatric hospital care
You may not think of art when you hear the word hospital, but our art room is one of the most popular places at Ranken Jordan. And like many other activities and programs we offer at Ranken Jordan, art is more than just art to us–it’s a powerful tool that helps our kids heal.
The power of therapeutic art at Ranken Jordan
You may not think of art when you hear the word hospital, but our art room is one of the most popular places at Ranken Jordan. And like many other activities and programs we offer at Ranken Jordan, art is more than just art to us–it’s a powerful tool that helps our kids heal.
Using the great outdoors for healing
After a long and snowy winter here in St. Louis, we are finally getting to spend more time outside and enjoy the early signs of spring. Getting outside is not only a mood booster for us at Ranken Jordan, it’s a part of our care for kids and it’s something we encourage all health professionals (as well as parents and caregivers) to consider as part of pediatric health.
Why we built two classrooms in our hospital
Last year we announced a $1.4million renovation, including construction of two new classrooms for our innovative OZ program. Both classrooms opened at the end of 2024, so I’d like to share more about the difference they’ve already made and what they mean for us at Ranken Jordan.
How Ranken Jordan Has Shared Our Innovative Model in 2024
At Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, our purpose is clear: to reimagine what’s possible for children with medically-complex needs and for their families. We are driven to make lasting impacts in our patients’ lives, and also, change the larger complex care landscape for the better. As I reflect on 2024, I’m so proud of the strides our team has made this year. With a rich legacy of helping children thrive, and a reinvigorated commitment to leadership in pediatric complex care, Ranken Jordan’s rate of progress is significant and impactful.
Celebrating 20 Years of Play-Centric Healing in Maryland Heights
This December marks two decades in our colorful, hope-inspiring building in Maryland Heights, Missouri. During the design process , Ranken Jordan’s leadership team, staff members, patients and families met with architect Steve Hunsicker and his team to compile our ideas of what Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital should and could look like. We envisioned a functional, interactive village-like setting, in which every inch of the building would foster inclusion and play – a crucial component of recovery.
Where Do Kids Go After Being Hospitalized? Recent Research on Post-Acute Care in the U.S.
After receiving treatment for a life-changing traumatic event or diagnosis in a traditional children’s hospital, where do children go before returning home? After all, their recovery journey doesn’t end once they exit those hospital doors. Next steps after intensive care can be daunting. Families are left scrambling, unsure of what options are available, and unaware of the resources that could support them. And, many hospitals and providers don’t know what happens to these kids once they leave their care.
Healing through Play and Adaptive Sports at Ranken Jordan
Play: the word itself is light, fun and joyful. But, it’s much more than that. Through play, kids can bond, process their emotions, boost coordination and strength, reduce anxiety and stress, develop cooperative and problem-solving skills and regain a sense of normalcy amidst unfamiliar environments.
Keep up with everything going on at Ranken Jordan.
“I still think about how Ranken Jordan changed my life.”
— Kiland Sampa, Inpatient Jul-Nov 2013, Outpatient Dec 2013-Dec 2014