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.
Why we’re hiring people to play with our patients
Last year we started hiring for what has quickly become one of the best jobs around: a Patient Play Associate (PPA), a new, paid position dedicated to playing with kids at Ranken Jordan. To the best of my knowledge, we’re the first hospital to create a job like this. While certain types of play are used by Occupational Therapists, Child Life Specialists and other therapy professionals to achieve certain medical outcomes, our PPA position is solely focused on allowing our kids to do what they love most: to play just for fun.
The importance of family connection this holiday season, even in the hospital
For the majority of us, the holiday season means time at home with family. But for our patients with complex medical conditions, most cannot go home to celebrate. That’s why at this time of year, I always think about the importance of family togetherness. Family time is critical for a child’s development and the truth is the healthcare industry can do a lot to improve family connection when a loved one is in the hospital.
Why we should all be thankful for OZ this year
For most young children, organized, educational programs like preschool are a given. But that’s not true for children with complex medical conditions–a fact that can have a drastic impact on a child’s development. That’s why we created OZ, short for Optimization Zone, an innovative in-hospital program, similar to a preschool, for medically complex kids age 5 and younger.
Are hospitals stimulating enough for young patients? What our new research suggests
No parent plans for their child to be in the hospital, especially for a prolonged period of time. But for parents of kids aged 0-5 who face this reality, I know there’s something they worry about: a long hospital stay can put a child more at risk for developmental delay. In an important first step in reversing this trend, my team and I at Ranken Jordan launched a time-motion study in 2021 to track the whereabouts and activities of our patients.
3 main takeaways from my TED Talk for TEDxStLouis
In May 2023, I was lucky enough to do a TEDx Talk for TEDxStLouis. I wanted to do it because my team and I at Ranken Jordan are on a mission to change how the healthcare community treats children with complex medical needs.
Introducing our new blog series, “Notes from Dr. Nick”
Introducing our new blog series, “Notes from Dr. Nick”. Hi, I’m Dr. Nick Holekamp but most people call me Dr. Nick. I’m the Chief Medical Officer here at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, a very special place in St. Louis, Missouri.
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