Pediatric Early Warning Score
Tool assigns designated scores for the
following areas of the patient assessment:
 Neuro/Behavior
 Cardiac
 Respiratory
 < 24 hours of admission
 Transfer from ED
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Based on the results of the patient
assessment, an objective score is given with a
corresponding action plan for the score that
provides the nurse assistance in determining
the needed level of care for the patient
Has been in use in acute care areas since
December 2012
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Beginning Dec 15th - all patients transferring
out of an ICU to acute care need to have a
PEWS score recorded when they are placed in
bedboard and with VS thereafter.
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If the score is >4 (Yellow, Orange or Red) then
the CSL/RSL and the team needs to be
notified and patient reassessed for readiness
to transfer.
PEWS score should be included in your report
to the RN on the receiving unit.

Decrease number of patients who “bounceback to the ICU within 48 hours of transfer to
acute care.