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Nursing at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM)
About Nursing at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein
The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM) is a nationally recognized leader in pediatric care, treating more than 200,000 children each year in one of the region’s most advanced environments for complex, high-acuity cases. Ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years, CHAM is defined by its unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, research and innovation.
At the heart of this excellence are our nurses—integral to every breakthrough in care, from pediatric cardiology and oncology to neonatology and beyond. Their leadership in research, education and interdisciplinary collaboration shapes not only the patient experience but also the future of pediatric medicine. CHAM’s Emergency Department has been honored with the prestigious Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), recognizing exceptional performance in leadership, practice and innovation in emergency nursing.
Nurses at CHAM are essential partners in shaping outcomes, advancing innovation and redefining excellence in pediatric care.
Message from the Assistant Vice President of Nursing
It is my honor to represent the extraordinary nurses who are the foundation of the compassionate and high-quality care we provide every day at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein.
Our nurses are the heart of this hospital. They are not only highly skilled clinicians but also steadfast advocates for our patients and families. Whether soothing a child’s fears, educating families or working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure seamless care, their dedication and expertise shine in everything they do.
At the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, we understand that exceptional nursing is about more than clinical expertise—it’s about creating connections, fostering trust and bringing hope during some of life’s most challenging moments. Our nurses embody this mission with every interaction, making a profound difference in the lives of the children and families they serve.
We are also deeply committed to advancing the profession of nursing, as demonstrated by our intention to pursue Magnet® designation at CHAM. Through ongoing education, innovative practices and a culture of professional governance, our nurses continually grow as leaders and pioneers in pediatric healthcare. Their willingness to embrace new challenges and improve outcomes ensures that we remain at the forefront of pediatric nursing excellence.
Tara Buckenmyer, DNP-ENL, MHA, RN, NEA-BC
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Tara Buckenmyer, DNP-ENL, MHA, RN, NEA-BC
Assistant Vice President, Nursing, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, Moses Campus
Our Services
At CHAM, patients and their families are cared for by more than 450 nurses, including 60 advanced practice nurses in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
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Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Our 20-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) provides specialized, high-acuity care for critically ill children and children with medically complex issues. Our multidisciplinary team of expert pediatric intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists and other specialists delivers around-the-clock, family-centered care to children facing life-threatening illnesses, trauma, postsurgical recovery and severe chronic conditions.
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Pediatric Cardiovascular Care Unit
Our Pediatric Cardiovascular Care Unit is a six-bed, specially designed, high-acuity care unit for infants, children and adolescents with congenital and acquired heart conditions. Our expert team of pediatric cardiac intensivists, specialized nurses, respiratory therapists and cardiac surgeons delivers comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for patients before and after complex cardiac surgeries, catheterization procedures and advanced heart failure management.
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Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Transplant Unit
Our 36-bed Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Transplant Unit provides comprehensive, compassionate care for children with cancer or blood disorders, as well as those undergoing stem cell, bone marrow and solid organ transplants. Our expert, multidisciplinary team delivers innovative treatments in a caring, family-centered environment.
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Adolescent & Epilepsy Unit
Our Adolescent and Epilepsy Unit provides specialized care for teenagers and young adults with a wide range of medical, surgical and neurological conditions, epileptic disorders and psychological needs in a 36-bed setting. Our multidisciplinary team of pediatricians, neurologists, specialists, nurses and social workers offers comprehensive, age-appropriate care in a supportive environment that respects the unique needs of adolescent patients.
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Infant Respiratory, Cardiac & Step-Down Unit
Our 42-bed Infant Respiratory, Cardiac and Step-Down Unit provides expert, advanced care for critically ill infants with respiratory and cardiac conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric pulmonologists, cardiologists, nurses and respiratory therapists offers state-of-the-art treatment for complex respiratory and cardiac needs, ensuring the highest level of care in a compassionate, family-centered environment.
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Pediatric Emergency Department
The Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) at CHAM offers around-the-clock specialized emergency care for infants, children and adolescents. Staffed by board certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians, nurses and child-life specialists, our ED is designed to deliver rapid, compassionate and family-centered care for a wide range of medical emergencies.
The ENA recognized our ED with its Lantern Award, a global achievement created in 2011 to honor emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. The award is granted for a three-year period, during which the ED is recognized for incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care, providing a benchmark for other departments striving for excellence in this service discipline. CHAM is the first hospital in the Bronx to receive this award, demonstrating our nurses’ commitment to continuous improvement and innovative patient care. -
Pediatric Ambulatory & Clinic Units
The Pediatric Ambulatory and Clinic Units provide comprehensive outpatient care for children with acute, chronic and complex medical conditions. Our multidisciplinary teams offer specialized treatments, diagnostic services and ongoing management in a child-friendly, family-centered environment.
Advancing Pediatric Nursing Through Research
Nurses at CHAM are actively engaged in research that advances pediatric care, improves outcomes and elevates the patient and staff experience. Their work has been shared locally and nationally at leading conferences, including the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Society of Pediatric Nurses.
In one notable study, CHAM nurses led efforts to improve central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention in pediatric patients—particularly those at high risk of external contamination. The study informed a promising enhancement to CHAM’s central line protocols, reinforcing our commitment to evidence-based practice and patient safety.
Ongoing areas of nursing research at CHAM include:
- Improving patient outcomes, such as reducing the number of needlesticks and minimizing pain during procedures
- Enhancing the patient experience, including the implementation of a primary nursing model, where one nurse serves as the primary point of contact for the patient and their family, developing a strong nurse-patient relationship and ensuring continuity of care from admission to discharge
- Promoting a healthy work environment to strengthen nursing satisfaction and retention
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Nursing Professional Governance
The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein’s Nursing team thrives on collaboration and shared governance. Our professional practice councils empower nurses to shape policies, improve workflows and contribute to the strategic direction of the hospital. Nursing professional governance comprises several councils and committees at both unit- and hospital-wide levels. Members include nurses across the organization, such as clinical nurses, advanced practice nurses, nursing leaders and more.
Nurses can also bring their research ideas to our Research and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Council and our Quality and Safety Council.
CHAM participates in all of our Nursing Department’s councils and committees. They also lead the CHAM-specific R5/Professional Advancement Council, which emphasizes respect, retention, recognition, recruitment and resilience.
Nurse Residency & Mentorship
The Nurse Residency Program, ANCC-accredited and nationally recognized as a Practice Transition Accredited Program (PTAP), is designed to support and empower newly graduated nurses as they transition into professional pediatric nursing. Through a structured, six-month program, residents receive specialized training, mentorship and direct experience in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Program highlights include:
- Dedicated mentorship: working alongside experienced nurses and nurse leaders who provide support and professional guidance
- Evidence-based practice: developing critical thinking skills and engaging in projects that enhance patient care
- Professional growth: building confidence and leadership skills to excel in a pediatric nursing career
Mentorship
Our commitment to our nurses includes nurturing the next generation of pediatric nurses, ensuring they have the skills and support to deliver exceptional, family-centered care to our patients.
The Nursing Mentorship Program is designed to support nurses at all stages of their careers by fostering professional growth, skills development and leadership in pediatric nursing. Through meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, nurses gain guidance, encouragement and firsthand learning experiences to enhance their practice.
Program benefits include:
- Personalized support: one-on-one mentorship to navigate career goals and challenges
- Clinical and leadership development: strengthening skills in patient care, teamwork and decision-making
- Collaborative learning: engaging in shared experiences that build confidence and competence
- Stronger nursing community: cultivating connections that enhance teamwork and job satisfaction
We believe that mentorship is the key to excellence in pediatric nursing, ensuring every nurse has the tools and support to thrive and make a lasting impact.
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Our Location
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Location details: Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein
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