KCH Affiliate Network Conference

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Kroger Field, Longship Club

General Sessions

7:15 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration / Breakfast / Exhibitor Showcase

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Affiliate Network Conference Welcome
Scottie Day, MD

8:10 AM – 8:20 AM
State of UK
Tim Slocum, FACHE

8:20 AM – 9:05 AM
Leveling Up Patient Care: A Strategic Overview of Therapeutic Gaming and Technology in a Pediatric Setting
Cody Dean, Gaming and Technology Specialist

Learning Objectives

• Identify the core components of a comprehensive hospital-based Gaming & Technology program — including device lending, adaptive tools, teen-focused programming, and volunteer infrastructure — and recognize how these elements can be scaled or adapted based on a hospital's existing resources and staffing.
• Explain how gaming and technology serve as tools for family engagement and patient-centered care, including how interactive and therapeutic technology creates connection opportunities for patients and their families during hospitalization and supports individualized, developmentally appropriate experiences.
• Describe practical strategies that nursing staff and administrators can use to incorporate therapeutic gaming and technology into pediatric patient care, including low-barrier entry points, device and resource considerations, and implementation approaches that do not require a dedicated Gaming & Technology Specialist or Child Life department.

9:05 AM – 9:50 AM
Child Maltreatment Across the Continuum: Prevention, Early Identification, and Effective Intervention
Christina Howard, MD, FAAP

Learning Objectives

• Examine the epidemiology, risk factors, and social determinants associated with child maltreatment and their impact on child health and development.
• Describe evidence-based prevention strategies that strengthen families, reduce risk, and promote protective factors within communities.
• Discuss best practices for evaluation, reporting, and multidisciplinary collaboration in the identification and management of suspected abuse and neglect.
• Identify trauma-informed interventions and long-term supports for affected children and families, including services for children in foster care, mental health treatment, and community-based resources.

9:50 AM – 10:00 AM
Break / Exhibitor Showcase

Breakout Sessions

10:00 AM – 10:40 AM  |  Breakout Session 1A: Evaluation of Newborn Fever: Where We've Been and Where We're Going
Jim Buscher, MD

Learning Objectives

• Determine what evaluation is needed for a newborn with a fever.
• Risk-stratify a newborn with a fever based on age and evaluation results.
• Empirically treat, if necessary, a newborn with a fever with appropriate antimicrobials.

10:00 AM – 10:40 AM  |  Breakout Session 1B: Responsible AI Use for Current and Future Clinicians: Building a Better Understanding of Hallucinations
Hubie Ballard, MD

Learning Objectives

• Define artificial intelligence hallucinations and explain why large language models can produce fluent but unsupported, inaccurate, or fabricated information.
• Recognize when AI-generated medical information requires additional source checking, evidence review, or human supervision.
• Apply safe and responsible practices when using artificial intelligence for clinical, educational, and scholarly tasks.

General Sessions

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Return to Longship Club / Exhibitor Showcase

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Recognition and Treatment of Pediatric Sepsis
Rhea Vidrine, MD and Stephanie George, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning Objectives

• Appreciate the difficulty in defining and recognizing pediatric sepsis.
• Acknowledge the importance of recognition and treatment bundles in pediatric sepsis.
• Initiate appropriate treatment in potentially septic patients.

11:50 AM – 12:50 PM
Lunch / Exhibitor Showcase

12:50 PM – 1:35 PM
Addressing Pediatric Mental Health: Golisano Children's at UK Highlight Reel
Meghan Marsac, PhD and Amy Meadows, MD

Learning Objectives

• Describe national trends in pediatric mental health.
• Understand the local impact of pediatric mental health challenges.
• Identify several initiatives and resources at the University of Kentucky to address pediatric mental health needs.

1:35 PM – 2:20 PM
A Practical Guide to Surfactant Administration and Respiratory Care
Tracy Hubbard, RRT

Learning Objectives

• Understand indications for surfactant administration.
• Understand recommended initial and subsequent dosing.
• Identify medication instillment options:
  • Invasive
  • Less invasive
• Describe ventilator and respiratory support changes after dosing.

2:20 PM – 2:35 PM
Break / Exhibitor Showcase

Breakout Sessions

2:35 PM – 3:15 PM  |  Breakout Session 2A: Pediatric UTIs
Gena Cooper, MD

Learning Objectives

• Understand age-based differential diagnosis of urinary complaints.
• Recognize evaluation pathway for urinary complaints in youth of varying ages.
• Implement current guidelines for treatment of UTI based on age and symptoms.

2:35 PM – 3:15 PM  |  Breakout Session 2B: Liquid Gold: Evidence-based Practices to Support Breastfeeding in the Hospital
Ashley Olszewski, DO

Learning Objectives

• Briefly review the evidence for maternal breast milk as the optimal nutrient for healthy growth and development of infants.
• Discuss the challenges to breastfeeding.
• Discuss the evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding in the hospital.

General Sessions

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Return to Longship Room / Exhibitor Showcase

3:30 PM – 4:25 PM
SEPSIS Simulation
Rhea Vidrine, MD and Stephanie George, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning Objectives

• Appreciate the difficulty in defining and recognizing pediatric sepsis.
• Acknowledge the importance of recognition and treatment bundles in pediatric sepsis.
• Initiate appropriate treatment in potentially septic patients.

4:25 PM – 4:30 PM
Wrap-up / Trivia

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Reception & UK Football Practice Facility Tours

Friday, September 18, 2026

Golisano Children's Hospital, HA1116

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration / Breakfast

8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Welcome & Overview of the Day

8:15 AM – 9:15 AM
Session 1

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Break

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Session 2

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Break

10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Session 3

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Wrap up

12:00 PM
Bus Departure to Kroger Field

Attendees will select one simulation and two stations to attend during the three sessions. Options outlined below.

Session Offerings

Simulations (select one)

ED SIM: Interprofessional Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Management Simulation
Alexis Luedke, MD and Jaryd Zummer, MD

Learning Objectives

• Apply Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) principles to recognize and manage a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest, including high-quality CPR, rhythm recognition, and appropriate resuscitative interventions.
• Demonstrate effective role assignment, leadership, and closed-loop communication during a pediatric resuscitation using crisis resource management principles.
• Identify opportunities to improve team performance, situational awareness, and coordination during a high-acuity pediatric emergency through structured debriefing and reflection.

NICU SIM: Multidisciplinary High-Risk Neonatal Resuscitation Simulation
Audra Stacy, MD and Anthony Haase, MD

Learning Objectives

• Perform a systematic neonatal assessment and identify signs of distress.
  • Participants will demonstrate the ability to assess airway, breathing, circulation, temperature, and overall newborn condition within the first minutes of life.
• Implement appropriate neonatal resuscitation interventions.
  • Participants will correctly initiate and perform evidence-based neonatal resuscitation measures, including airway management, positive-pressure ventilation, and chest compressions when indicated.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during neonatal emergencies.
  • Participants will utilize closed-loop communication, clearly define team roles, and collaborate effectively to provide safe and timely care to the newborn.

Stations (select two)

Station 1: Intravenous (IV) Skills and Safe Patient Holding (ONE Voice)
Kelly Barnett, MSN, RN, CPN and Jessica Lawrence, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate proper preparation and insertion techniques for peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter placement according to facility policy and evidence-based practice.
• Apply appropriate IV securement and taping methods to maintain catheter stability and reduce the risk of dislodgement or complications.
• Identify common complications associated with IV therapy, including infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and infection, and describe appropriate nursing interventions.
• Demonstrate safe patient holding and positioning techniques during procedures to minimize patient injury and procedural complications.
• Apply the ONE Voice communication approach during patient procedures by identifying the designated procedural leader and demonstrating clear, coordinated team communication.
• Explain the importance of patient-centered communication and teamwork in promoting procedural safety and positive patient outcomes.

Station 2: Gastric Tube Placement, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Kelly Barnett, MSN, RN, CPN and Jessica Lawrence, MSN, RN, CPN

Learning Objectives

• Describe the indications, contraindications, and potential complications associated with gastric tube placement.
• Demonstrate correct techniques for gastric tube insertion and securement according to organizational policy and best practice guidelines.
• Verify gastric tube placement using approved methods and document findings appropriately.
• Perform routine gastric tube maintenance, including assessment, flushing, feeding administration, and site care.
• Identify common gastric tube complications such as occlusion, displacement, leakage, aspiration risk, and patient discomfort.
• Demonstrate appropriate troubleshooting interventions for gastric tube-related problems and determine when escalation to the healthcare provider is required.
• Educate patients and families on gastric tube care, safety precautions, and signs of complications that require immediate attention.

Station 3: Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement
Audra Stacy, MD and Anthony Haase, MD

Learning Objectives

• Identify appropriate indications for umbilical catheter placement.
  • Participants will review the indications for placement of umbilical venous catheters including non-emergent vs emergent placement within NRP guidelines.
• Demonstrate appropriate umbilical catheter placement techniques.
  • Participants will correctly identify umbilical arteries and vein within umbilical cord anatomy and demonstrate appropriate line preparation, placement, and securing techniques.
• Review methods to ensure proper placement and functioning of umbilical catheters.
  • Participants will be able to identify the appropriate methods for ensuring correct vessel placement and line depth as well as methods to troubleshoot malfunctioning UV catheters.

Station 4: Neonatal Airway Management
Audra Stacy, MD and Kate Fletcher, APRN

Learning Objectives

• Perform a comprehensive neonatal airway assessment.
  • Participants will identify signs of airway compromise and evaluate the newborn's respiratory status to determine the need for airway intervention.
• Demonstrate appropriate neonatal airway management techniques.
  • Participants will correctly position the airway and perform interventions such as suctioning, positive-pressure ventilation, and advanced airway support (including intubation and laryngeal mask placement) according to current neonatal resuscitation guidelines.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of airway interventions and communicate findings.
  • Participants will assess changes in heart rate, oxygenation, chest movement, and respiratory effort following airway management and communicate patient status effectively to the healthcare team.

Station 5: Neonatal Golden Hour Stabilization
Audra Stacy, MD and Kate Fletcher, APRN

Learning Objectives

• Identify and implement evidence-based Golden Hour interventions.
  • Participants will demonstrate the timely application of Golden Hour practices, including thermoregulation, respiratory support, glucose management, and infection prevention for the newborn.
• Promote physiologic stability during the first hour of life.
  • Participants will assess and maintain neonatal temperature, oxygenation, cardiovascular status, and blood glucose levels using established neonatal care guidelines.
• Demonstrate effective communication and coordination of care.
  • Participants will collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and communicate critical patient information to ensure safe, efficient, and family-centered care during the newborn's first hour of life.

Station 6: Bronchiolitis Overview
Josh Curtis, BHS, RRT-NPS

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate evidence-based suctioning techniques for pediatric patients with respiratory illness.
• Utilize bronchiolitis scoring tools to guide patient assessment and clinical decision-making.
• Assess and interpret bronchodilator responsiveness in pediatric patients.
• Employ effective communication strategies when educating families and collaborating with multidisciplinary care teams.