The Helen M. Bernardy Center, located in San Diego, is a skilled nursing and pediatric sub-acute facility dedicated to the care of children from birth to 21 years old. Originally an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, it has evolved over the years to become a continuum of care model catering to medically complex and technology-dependent children. Services range from post-acute to short or long-term care, including respite services to support children living in the community. In 2019, the center partnered with Children’s Specialty Hospital in New Jersey to provide an intensive therapy program for children with chronic pain syndromes.
This presentation will discuss the center's philosophy of care, which focuses on meeting the changing needs of children and their families, as well as key quality indicators, reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and staffing. It will also review the day-to-day challenges and rewards of providing care in the current healthcare climate, and outline the center's plans for the future as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of medically complex children.
Learning Objectives
Registrants may earn 1.0 CEUs for attending the live webinar or viewing the recording. After viewing the material, registrants will achieve the following learning objectives.
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Describe the patient population and physiology of care at the Helen M. Bernardy Center
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Identify and discuss internal and external challenges as leaders
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Discuss sustainability and focus for the future
Instructor(s)
Michelle Goldbach, DNP, MHA, RN
Director of Nursing, Helen Bernardy Center for Medically Fragile Children, Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center
Michelle Goldbach is a highly experienced healthcare professional with over 39 years of experience in various patient care settings, including NICU, women's health, bariatrics, trauma, hospice, and pediatric care. She is a member of the Association of California Nurse Leaders and has served as its San Diego Chapter President, Chair/Co-chair of the Innovations Conference, and as a member of various committees, including Health Policy and Leadership Development. She is also involved in promoting nursing leadership and pediatric palliative care and is a member of several local and state-level conference committees. Michelle recently joined the ATSU advisory board at the College of Graduate Health Sciences.
Pamela G. Castle, NHA, MBA
Director, Long Term Care Services, Helen M. Bernardy Center for Medically Fragile Children, Rady Children’s Hospital & Health Center
Pamela is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 39 years of experience in the field, 24 of which have been in leadership positions. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator with a Master's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration. Currently, she serves as the Administrator of the Helen M. Bernardy Center, a licensed skilled nursing facility for children with intellectual disabilities and medical complexities. In addition to her role as the Administrator, she is also the Director of Medical Staff Services, overseeing the credentialing and privileging of physicians and allied health professionals for Rady Children's Hospital and Health Care System in San Diego. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Pamela is also a grassroots member of the Pediatric Complex Care Association, dedicated to improving the quality of care for children with complex medical needs and advocating for pediatric healthcare services.