Pediatric High Tech Care

Children with high tech nursing needs receive specialized health care services in familiar and nurturing surroundings with love and support from their families.

“We are very lucky that in Vermont we have a Pedi Hi-Tech Program for fragile children,” explains Mona Rickert, RN, Pediatric Hi-Tech Manager. “Kids deserve to be in the home surrounded by loving family—it’s so important to their growth and development.”

While RAVNAH’s highly trained registered nurses and licensed practical nurses currently care for 12 children, over 100 children are cared for by the various home health agencies serving Vermonters. They treat children who are both terminal and curative -- from babies born prematurely at 24 weeks gestation to a child wishing to die at home.

Though Pedi Hi-Tech is a state-funded program, the reimbursement rates do not adequately cover RAVNAH’s costs in caring for its youngest patients. In 2011, RAVNAH lost about $10,000 per patient per year. 

“I hope this program will continue to be available to all Vermonters,” affirms Mona. “When fragile children are cared for in the home—as opposed to an even more expensive hospital or nursing home—surrounded by familiar people and pets, and the aroma of home-cooked meals, they develop by leaps and bounds.

Here is just a sampling of some of our success stories.