At Pediatric Critical Care of South Florida, we strive to provide comfort, hope, and the best possible care to our patients, as well as their family and friends. We accomplish our mission thanks to our expertly trained and experienced staff in advanced pediatric critical care medicine. Their skills allow us to care for the most critically ill patients across South Florida and have made us a premier provider.
We’re happy to announce the addition of Zenaida Pacheco, APRN to the team. Zenaida will continue pushing PCCSF’s mission forward. Read on to get to know her!
I was born and raised in Miami, FL to Puerto Rican parents. Since I was a little girl, I was always intrigued by medicine and found gratification in helping others feel better. At the age of 15, my first job was in a medical billing office answering the phone and opening mail. I’ve been in scrubs ever since.
I’ve been a nurse for 11 years – ten of those were in the NICU, and the last three were in a leadership position as a Clinical Manager. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in 2010 and completed the Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner track at Florida International University in 2020. This is my first opportunity as an APRN. My current professional interests lie in expanding my knowledge, exposure, and skill set in pediatric critical care.
My interests revolve around my family – my husband and three children – and that includes practicing my faith, music, dancing, sports, volunteering and traveling, just to name a few.
Posted by lavandosky
The CDC recently warned that this flu season might be worse than normal. Medical experts say both kids and adults could face a higher risk of getting the flu for the 2021-22 season.
This contrasts with last year which saw record-low infection rates with only 2,000 cases recorded by the CDC between September 2020 and April 2021. However, these low numbers could be problematic as flu vaccine development depends on the previous year and a lack of infections last season will reduce access to data about the strains most likely circulating this season.
NurseJournal recently interviewed PCCSF’s Alceste Villasuso, ARNP, where she shared what to expect this flu season and tips to prevent getting it. She was also featured in an article on back-to-school vaccinations, click here to read.
Posted by lavandosky
A new school year has kicked off and across the country we’ve seen states, including our own, try to ban masks in schools. This could lead to serious health risks for students, especially disabled students.
Many people with autoimmune disorders are still at an increased risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19, even after vaccination. For children, who are still not eligible for vaccination, the use of masks in schools is most important.
Our Dr. Ryan Moran was recently interviewed by Verywell Health where he shared that the PICU has seen an uptick in COVID-19 admissions and deaths among disabled children. Dr. Moran also noted the difference in COVID-19 outbreaks and spreading between school districts that have mask mandates and those that don’t.
To read his full interview, click here.
Posted by lavandosky
COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise nationwide, but even more so here in South Florida. A recent article by WSVN stated that “Miami-Dade and Broward counties now lead the U.S. in the number of hospital admissions for critical care,” and the state broke a previous record for hospitalizations set more than a year ago with more than 10,200 people hospitalized.
In Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we are also seeing a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and patients having to be cared for in the ICU for complications.
A big reason for the surge is the highly contagious and dangerous Delta variant. But what is the Delta variant? What are the symptoms? And what can you do to keep yourself and your family safe?
Our Dr. Ryan Moran, along with other industry experts, recently shared their insight with Parade Magazine. Click here to read what they had to say.
Posted by lavandosky
Vaccinations aren’t fun for anyone, especially children. Preparing kids for the doctor visit where they will receive a shot can be a daunting task for parents.
With the COVID vaccine now available to younger patients, our Dr. Allan Greissman provided some great tips on PureWow on how parents can prepare their child to receive the vaccine. Click here to read what he had to say.
Posted by lavandosky
