Barbara Shultz, R.N.
Shultz to head VCH comprehensive care status efforts
Barbara Shultz, R.N., has joined the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt as the Comprehensive Regional Pediatric Center (CRPC) coordinator.
Shultz will work to ensure that Children's Hospital continues to be designated as a comprehensive care center, which includes meeting requirements for equipment, education and facilities.
State legislation passed in 1997 requires all hospitals to designate their ability to care for pediatric patients and to meet criteria for that level of care. The Children's Hospital is the only CRPC in Middle Tennessee, and one of only four in the entire state.
As part of the CPRC designation, Shultz will make sure Children's Hospital provides support for approximately 50 non-CRPC regional hospitals through education and transfer agreements.
Those hospitals must transfer patients who require a comprehensive level of care to Children's Hospital.
Children's Hospital also holds the highest designation of the state's four CRPC hospitals, meaning the other three CRPC hospitals must have an agreement with Children's Hospital.
“I look forward to helping improve the care of pediatric patients in the state,” Shultz said. “This is a wonderful institution dedicated to providing excellent care. Everyone who I have met — administration and staff members — have been so welcoming and encouraging.”
Shultz came to Vanderbilt from the nationally recognized Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she worked as the senior coordinator for the pediatric trauma program and the coordinator of the injury prevention program.
A registered nurse, she has also worked as a patient care coordinator and as an assistant head nurse in neurosurgery during her 19-year career at Pittsburgh. Shultz received her degree in nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
"She brings a wealth of experience in pediatric trauma from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She not only understands the regulatory mechanisms of trauma but also the intricate aspects of working together as a team,” said John W. Brock III, M.D., surgeon-in-chief for Children's Hospital. “I look forward to working with her and building the trauma services for Children's Hospital.”
“We certainly anticipate great things to come from Barbara,” added Pat Givens, assistant Children's Hospital director for Clinical Services. “She is really in a key position.”
“Shultz will also work in injury prevention and outreach. She is a certified child safety seat instructor, and will provide assistance with Children's Hospital child safety seat initiatives and play an integral role in outreach and safety initiatives,” added Amy Casseri, director of Children's Hospital communications and community relations.