Nursing Services

The philosophy of professional nursing practice at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is designed to support the delivery of quality, family-centered health care to all our patients and families. As professionals, nurses have a significant influence over their practice and the environment in which they work. Children’s Hospital believes that the autonomy and self-direction that influences nursing practice must be balanced by responsibility and accountability. All nurses within the hospital share the responsibility for establishing a climate that enables professional practice to occur.

At Children’s Hospital, the professional nursing staff plays a key role in the hospital’s mission. Nurse/physician collaboration is essential in planning and implementing care for patients’ and families’ health care needs.

UPMC Children's Nursing Outcomes Report (2023-2024)

Dear Families and Visitors,

Welcome to UPMC Children’s Hospital, where every child’s health, comfort, and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. As the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services, I am honored to lead a team of dedicated nurses and caregivers who share a common mission: to provide exceptional, compassionate care for children and their families.

Our nurses are more than clinicians—they are advocates, educators, and partners in your child’s journey to health. We understand that visiting a hospital can feel overwhelming, and that’s why we strive to create an environment that is safe, nurturing, and family-centered. From the moment you walk through our doors, you can trust that your child will receive care guided by the highest standards of quality and safety.

At UPMC Children’s, innovation and empathy go hand in hand. We continually invest in advanced technologies, evidence-based practices, and professional development to ensure our nursing team is equipped to meet the unique needs of every child. Most importantly, we listen—to our patients, to their families, and to each other—because collaboration is key to healing.

Our Mission:

To improve the health and well-being of children through excellence in patient care, education, and innovation, while fostering a compassionate, family-centered environment.

Thank you for placing your trust in us. It is a privilege to care for your children and to support your family during this important time. If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here for you, every step of the way.

Warm regards,

Paula Eicker, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President, Patient Care Services

Patient and Family-Centered Care at UPMC Children’s

Patient and family-centered care is the heart of our professional practice model at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, (CHP) focusing on providing exceptional patient care through the use of evidence-based practice and research, effective and efficient care services, autonomy and a culture of safety. Our professional practice model results in high-quality patient outcomes driven by exemplary professional practice. Nurses at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh have the autonomy and are empowered to make decisions regarding their professional practice through a shared decision-making structure starting at the unit level with unit-based councils. Within that decision-making structure is the collaboration and shared acknowledgment of roles and abilities among all members of the CHP team, demonstrating both positive and respectful interactions across the care continuum. Nurses are offered development opportunities to excel professionally through fellowships, nursing scholarships, attending conferences and mentoring to become the experts in pediatric nursing by advancing in formal nursing education and professional certifications. CHP nurses are the primary source of care for infants, children and adolescents in providing preventative health and safety education, through various community outreach opportunities. Nurses at CHP are appreciated for their excellence in care and are recognized by the organization, peers and families.

Learn more about careers at UPMC Children’s.