Overview of Pediatric Nursing PDF

By Dr/ Sara Galal 1  Overview of pediatric nursing Objectives At the end of this lecture, students will be able to: - Define pediatric nursing. - Identify purposes of pediatric nursing. - Describe roles of the pediatric nurse. - L...

By Dr/ Sara Galal 1  Overview of pediatric nursing Objectives At the end of this lecture, students will be able to: - Define pediatric nursing. - Identify purposes of pediatric nursing. - Describe roles of the pediatric nurse. - List qualities essential for a good pediatric nurse. - Discuss pediatric nursing functions. - Identify concepts of pediatric nursing. - Enumerate changes influencing nursing care of children. Introduction: There was a time, not so long ago, when the pediatric nursing didn't exist, for the special services for the protection of children. Previously, hospitals for children or separate departments for their care in general hospitals were rare. They were cared for with ill adults. Today, most large general hospitals provide a special unit(s) for the most care of sick children and many children's hospitals are built. Nurse is one of the important components of the health team in caring for children. The pediatric nurse gives direct bedside care to sick children, guide families in their care for their children during health and illness, in hospitals and at homes. Definition of the pediatric nursing: Pediatric nursing is the science and art of giving nursing care to children from birth to adolescence with emphasis on the physical, mental, social and emotional growth. Purposes of pediatric nursing: To promote the highest possible state of health in each child. It consists of: A- Preventing disease or injury. B- Assisting children, including those with a permanent disability or health problem to achieve and maintain an optimum level of health and development. 2 C- Treating or rehabilitating children who have health problems. Scope of Pediatric Nursing Practices: Nurses have the responsibility in providing nursing interventions either in ambulatory or institutional settings. Ambulatory setting: such as home, schools and physician's clinic where children and their parents have heath or counseling needs. Institutional settings: are mainly hospitals (general or specialized hospitals) where care is provided to sick children and their parents. Role of the pediatric nurses: 1- Family Advocacy / caring - The pediatric nurse must strive to ensure that families are aware of all available health services. - Family is informed adequately of treatment and procedures. - Family is involved in the child's care when possible. - Family is encouraged changing or supporting existing health care practices. 2- Disease prevention and health promotion Every nurse involved with child care must practice within the overall dimension of preventive health. Regardless of the identified problem, the role of the nurse is to plan care that fosters every aspect of growth and development. Based on a thorough assessment process, problems related to nutrition, immunization, safety, dental care, development, socialization, discipline or schooling frequently become obvious. Once the problem is identified, the nurse intervenes directly or refers the family to other health persons or agencies. 3 3- Health teaching Health teaching may be a direct goal of the nurse, such as during mother classes or may be indirect, such as helping parents and children understand a diagnosis or medical treatment, and provide anticipatory guidance. 4- Support and counseling Counseling involves a mutual exchange of ideas and opinions. It involves support, teaching, technique to foster expression of feelings and thoughts, and approaches to help the family cope with stress. Counseling helps the family attain a higher level of functioning, greater self-esteem and closer relationships. 5- Therapeutic role The most basic of all nurses' roles is the restoration of health through care giving activities. Nurses are intimately involved with meeting the physical and emotional needs or children, including feeding, bathing, dressing, security and socialization. A significant aspect of the therapeutic role is continual assessment and evaluation of physical status. The pediatric nurse must be aware of normal findings to identify deviations. 6- Coordination and collaboration Nurses are members of the health team. Collaborate and coordinate the services with other professionals activities, working in isolation does not serve the child's or family best interest. 7- Research Pediatric nurses need to be more involved in research and in applying research findings to their practice. 8- Health care planning Nursing as the largest health profession, needs to have a voice especially as family or consumer advocate. Relevant activities include having knowledge, awareness of community needs, maintaining an interest in 4  government formulation of bills and supporting significant legislation, holding public office and being actively involved in groups dedicated to the welfare of children. Such as professional nursing societies, parents-teacher organization, parents support groups and voluntary organizations. Qualities essential for good pediatric nurse 1- She is prepared to care for the family members including the care of healthy and sick child. This care involves physical and psychological aspects. 2- Have an interest in family care and love for children. 3- Understand the culture from which the family comes. 4- Be a good observer. 5- Be truthful 6- Be responsible. 7- Be punctual 8- Sympathetic. 9- Kind and patient 10- Cheerful 11 - Be skillful 12-Like teaching Pediatric nursing function Areas Function Nursing process Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation. Physical care Performance of procedure, administration of medication and treatment, maintenance of medical regimen, maintenance of safe environment, care of special equipment. Psychosocial Emotional support of child and family, preparation of children and parents for procedures as surgery, support of child coping mechanism, monitor child's reaction to illness and hospitalization. Teaching Information about illness, procedures. Health education. Parent and child counseling. Information about community resources. Interdisciplinary Rounds, conferences. Planning and evaluation. Referral. 5 Concepts of pediatric nursing 1. The nursing practices  Nursing is concerned with wellbeing of the child.  Developmental needs of the child are integrated into nursing care.  Nursing care is delivered to a family and child.  Attention is paid to the ethical, moral and legal dilemma present in the provision of health care. 2. The child  Each child is a unique person and a family member with needs and concerns that are increased and complicated during illness and/or hospitalization.  The child's coping response to illness and/or hospitalization is a function of his developmental capabilities.  Anticipatory guidance technique helps the child master the potentially traumatic experience of illness and hospitalization. 3. The family  The integrity of the family unit is supporting during illness and hospitalization.  The family's cultural and religious beliefs are supported during illness and hospitalization.  The family's style of coping with stress is strengthened during illness and hospitalization. Changes influencing nursing care of children Remarkable changes have occurred in the field of pediatric nursing in the recent years due to:  Changing needs of the society.  Medical and technological advances.  Trends within the nursing profession.  Consumers demands.  Increased public awareness. 6