Institute for Continuing Education

Pediatric Competency Part I: Age Specific Criteria/Pediatrics

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Normal Development
• General behavior associated with that developmental stage.
• Effective communication techniques associated with each developmental stage.
• Safety and health concerns associated with each developmental stage.
• Techniques that will help you work effectively with each age group and developmental stage.
• Identify effective assessment techniques for pediatric patients based on psychosocial development.
• Compare assessment findings provided in a Pediatric Case Study with normal data.
• Relate major milestones in human development to the age group in which these milestones commonly appear.

Course Information

Each patient is an individual. However, developmental similarities can be recognized and used to assist us in caring for these patients at a specific time in their growth and development. Growth occurs proximodistally from the center out and development refers to the acquisition of skills and abilities that take place throughout life. As we grow and mature, most of us will pass through similar growth and developmental stages.

The best way to care for patients will differ as people pass through the different growth and development stages. The way you care for an infant will differ from your care for and communication with children, teenagers adults and the geriatric population.