Rollins' Leadership Transition: Pediatric Nursing Journal Welcomes Dr. Tedra Smith as New Editor
- Dr. Judy Rollins concludes her 15-year editorial tenure, shaping the journal's standards and expanding its reach.
- Dr. Rollins expresses confidence in Dr. Tedra Smith’s abilities as her successor, ensuring a strong editorial future.
- Under Rollins’ leadership, Pediatric Nursing advanced significantly, maintaining high editorial standards and supporting pediatric nursing excellence.

Leadership Transition in Pediatric Nursing Journal Promises Continued Excellence
The Pediatric Nursing journal, a key publication in the field of pediatric healthcare, announces the appointment of Dr. Tedra S. Smith as its new Editor, effective June 17, 2025. Dr. Smith succeeds Dr. Judy Rollins, who has held the editorial position since 2010. With over five years of experience on the journal’s Editorial Board and a previous role as Associate Editor, Dr. Smith is well-positioned to lead the journal into its next chapter. Her extensive background in pediatric nursing and education, marked by the authorship of over 37 peer-reviewed articles, underscores her commitment to advancing nursing practices in this specialized sector.
Dr. Smith's leadership is expected to enhance the journal's mission of promoting evidence-based practices, research, and professional development among pediatric nurses. Her current role as Co-Director of the Children's of Alabama Clinical Scholars Program highlights her dedication to nursing excellence through quality improvement and interprofessional collaboration. This initiative aligns closely with the journal’s goal of fostering a community of informed practitioners who can contribute to advancing pediatric nursing care. The transition in editorship comes at a pivotal time as the journal continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for nurses involved in child care.
As Dr. Rollins concludes her 15-year tenure, she reflects on the significant strides made in the journal, crediting the editorial team and the supportive nursing community. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the journal’s standards and expanding its reach. In her farewell message, she expresses confidence in Dr. Smith’s capabilities, stating, "I leave the editorship in the capable hands of Tedra Smith, a brilliant nurse leader." The journal's legacy of high editorial standards appears secure as it transitions to new leadership, promising ongoing contributions to the field of pediatric nursing.
In related news, Pediatric Nursing has been a critical platform for disseminating innovative research and clinical practices since its inception in 1975. As the journal prepares for this leadership change, it remains committed to providing valuable content that supports nurses at all levels of pediatric care. The journal continues to emphasize its dedication to enhancing the quality of pediatric nursing practice through relevant and evidence-based research.
For more information on the Pediatric Nursing journal and its upcoming issues, interested parties can visit www.pediatricnursing.net.