Abstract
Over the last 10 years, nurse practitioners have become an essential part of the multidisciplinary orthopaedic team within a Level 1 pediatric trauma hospital. This overview will outline the process used and noted results during the development of a new model of care for pediatric orthopaedic patients, in both the hospital setting and outpatient clinics. Data from a 12-month period was reviewed in an effort to show the benefits of establishing a 1:1 model utilizing an orthopaedic surgeon and nurse practitioner. The advantages of this team concept include increased access to care, fiscal improvement, and positive patient outcomes due to standardized protocols and patient continuity.