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.
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.
“The Bravest Girl:” A Grandpa’s Harmony Brings Comfort
The holiday season in 2021 was extra special for Jim Dobbins. At age 70, the retired biomedical engineer was about to receive a new title: grandpa. On Dec. 3, his granddaughter Danielle Rey was born. She appeared to be a healthy baby, but not even 24 hours later her feet turned blue, and she was rushed to the NICU where she stayed for the next three months.
Back-To-School at Ranken Jordan
New notebooks, cute haircuts, chatting with friends about schedules and teachers: these are some of the most exciting hallmarks of a new school year. While the back-to-school season looks different for a child with complex medical needs, it is still a vital time for growth and new beginnings.
Yeva’s story: How Ranken Jordan helped a Ukrainian refugee following a tragic accident in Kansas
I’ve met more than 2,000 children and their families during my more than 24 years at Ranken Jordan, and I could write countless blog posts about the incredible people I’ve met here. But one family in particular stands out to me this month: the story of 8-year-old Yeva and her parents who came to Ranken Jordan after the unimaginable happened.
Ranken Jordan’s commitment to the future of pediatric medicine
May is graduation season and that always makes me think about one of the best parts of my job: teaching medical students and residents about Ranken Jordan and pediatric complex care.
Creating more play space and a permanent home for OZ
This month we are starting renovations to create a permanent space for our innovative OZ program, as well as additional play space and other updates for our patients. We’re committing $1.4 million to this project, so it’s an example of our dedication to Care Beyond the Bedside, our unique care model that prioritizes play as a form of healing. Our renovation plan is big news for us, so I wanted to share more about what we’re doing and why. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can donate or volunteer to support our cause.
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