Kelly S. Falcone, RN, MSN, CPNP

I’ve known that I wanted to work with children since I was in nursing school. As a nurse practitioner in the Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, I’m especially interested in pediatric trauma and other injuries, such as fractures, that can be the result of child abuse.

The effects of child abuse and neglect often include emotional, physical and interpersonal problems that can last a lifetime. My approach to caring for children is family-centered care, which is based on the belief that a child and his or her family are the most important members of a child's healthcare team. I strive to always do what is right for each patient and family.

In addition to helping patients and families, I am also involved in research. The goal of our research is to develop an effective screening tool for early signs of child abuse among hospitalized children. Specifically, my colleagues and I are studying fractures from child abuse.

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, especially at the ocean.