Rowan, Courtney M.Cristea, A. IoanaHamilton, Jennifer C.Taylor, Nicole M.Nitu, Mara E.Ackerman, Veda L.2017-07-182017-07-182016-05-08Rowan, C. M., Cristea, A. I., Hamilton, J. C., Taylor, N. M., Nitu, M. E., & Ackerman, V. L. (2016). Nurse practitioner coverage is associated with a decrease in length of stay in a pediatric chronic ventilator dependent unit. World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, 5(2), 191–197. http://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v5.i2.191https://hdl.handle.net/1805/13504AIM: To hypothesize a dedicated critical care nurse practitioner (NP) is associated with a decreased length of stay (LOS) from a pediatric chronic ventilator dependent unit (PCVDU). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients requiring care in the PCVDU from May 2001 through May 2011 comparing the 5 years prior to the 5 years post implementation of the critical care NP in 2005. LOS and room charges were obtained. RESULTS: The average LOS decreased from a median of 55 d [interquartile range (IQR): 9.8-108.3] to a median of 12 (IQR: 4.0-41.0) with the implementation of a dedicated critical care NP (P < 1.0001). Post implementation of a dedicated NP, a savings of 25738049 in room charges was noted over 5 years. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrates a critical care NP coverage model in a PCVDU is associated with a significantly reduced LOS demonstrating that the NP is an efficient and likely cost-effective addition to a medically comprehensive service.en-USPublisher PolicyCost effective health careLength of stayNurse practitionersPediatricsVentilationArticle