The journey into pediatric nursing can be daunting for many students, but the Tiger Club Clinic (TCC) offers a unique and welcoming introduction to this vital field. By immersing nursing students in a playful, supportive childcare environment, TCC bridges the gap between classroom instruction and hands-on pediatric experience. This innovative program not only explains healthcare for young children but also gives future nurses the confidence and skills needed in their upcoming hospital rotations.
“All 3rd semester students attend TCC to prepare for working with hospitalized pediatric patients,” stated Professor Ann Lambert. Nursing students complete 48 hours in Pediatric Clinicals within their Clinical Judgment course. One graduate and 104 undergraduates, guided by nursing and child life faculty members, spend time with nearly 200 children at a daycare.
Before the Clinic Day, nursing students participate in OB/Peds Skills Day and attend an orientation to the Tiger Club led by Lambert. They review clinical assignments, familiarize themselves with expectations, and receive instruction on the Denver II developmental screening tool. This preparation helps foster professionalism and readiness to learn.
Upon arrival — before the children appear — the nursing students are greeted by Child Life staff, who outline the day's schedule and pair each student with a child. This partnership is maintained throughout the experience, with staff guiding students as they engage children in various stations designed to introduce basic healthcare concepts in a non-threatening manner.
Station One: Meet Your Stuffy where children begin by selecting a stuffed animal and giving it a name. Together with their assigned student, they fill out a “certificate of ownership,” including a "feelings check" using a smiling-to-frowning faces chart to help children express themselves.
Station Two: Height & Weight puts children at ease by students first demonstrating the measuring process using the child’s stuffed animal before gently measuring each child’s own height and weight.
Station Three: Vital Signs introduces children to blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeters by first using them on the stuffed animal. This playful demonstration reduces anxiety and increases engagement as the student records heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. “Introducing vital sign monitoring with the stuffed animal first helped to alleviate anxiety for the children and made the experience less scary and more playful for them,” said Ava Mckenna.
Station Four: Developmental Activities, where students assess developmental milestones typical for four-year-olds, observing activities such as balancing on one foot, drawing, and other age-appropriate tasks. These milestones are documented on a developmental chart for each child.
“At TCC, we have the opportunity to teach kids about vital signs, practice developmental screening, and work on our social skills with the pediatric population,” said Helene Katzakian. “It is so fun to be able to spend time with kids in the Auburn community in a very low stakes situation,” she added.
"Engagement in the Tiger Club Clinic enhanced my confidence and ease when working with preschool-aged children, offering practical experience that has equipped me for my intended career path," stated Caroline Clements.
“Tiger Club Clinic has influenced my interest in pediatrics,” said Kylee Laccinole. “The clinical experience gave me more confidence with working with children in a low stress environment while still being able to practice fundamental skills such as taking vital signs, height and weight, as well as assessing their growth and development. Having the kids laugh and feel more comfortable during Tiger Club Clinic reinforced how rewarding pediatrics is.”
“What inspired me to pursue pediatric nursing is the resilience, strength, and courage I see in both the children and their families,” stated Laccinole. “Being able to make a difference in a child’s life at a young age feels incredibly meaningful to me, and it’s something I value. I also love being a part and seeing the fun and playful side of pediatric nursing which is very different and unique to any other specialty.”
“The most rewarding aspect of pediatric nursing is to make the child’s day a little brighter, whether it’s making them laugh or seeing them smile. Watching their conditions improve and being there to support them through each step of their journey is truly one of the most meaningful parts of working in pediatrics,” Laccinole added.
The Tiger Club Clinic stands out as an invaluable experience for both nursing students and young children. By combining playfulness with education, TCC helps demystify healthcare visits, fosters trust, and encourages healthy interactions. For future nurses, these early patient encounters build confidence, empathy, and a solid foundation for their careers in pediatric care.
