That sense of teamwork is common at Children's Hospital, Estill said. The nurses and other staff here are excellent resources for the residents. One of the most vital lessons residents learn is the importance of family-centered care, Estill said. We do a very good job of tailoring care to the family, involving the parents with the whole health care team, such as respiratory care practitioners, nurses, pharmacists - everybody who is working together as advocates for that child. We incorporate the family into the whole process and make sure they have the information they need before the child goes home.
Residents also learn to polish their interpersonal skills.
I think the most important thing I have learned as a resident is to really listen to the family. You may think you have everything figured out, but you have to stop and talk to the caregiver of that child and listen to what they are saying. As chief resident, Estill has cultivated other talents. There are many roles for the chief residents, and most of them involve serving as an educator. We do a lot of teaching.