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Pediatric nursing
can take you from intensive care of a newborn
baby with breathing problems to looking after
a six-foot tall adolescent whose leg has been
broken in a soccer match
The reason you're there as a children's
nurse is because children are not just mini
adults: their bodies (and minds) work in different
ways. The onset of symptoms can be sudden and
extreme. Because children are still growing,
the impact of the illness or injury on their
development has to be taken into account. And
because they are young, they may be more scared
or confused by what is happening to them. That's
why they need pediatric nurses who understand
their particular needs.
Children have parents and brothers
and sisters who are all involved in different
ways. Children's nurses work closely with patient's
families as part of the caring process. One
of the most striking features of pediatric nursing
is how often you share your nursing skills with
others: the child's parents or whoever would
normally look after them at home. Your job is
to give the child's carers the confidence and
ability to carry on with their caring role,
knowing when to stand back and when to take-over
if necessary. It requires a special set of attitudes
and open mindedness to people's different ways
of relating to their children.
Pediatric nursing can sometimes
involve managing distress. A rich mix of emotions
often surrounds child illness such as panic
anxiety, anger, powerlessness, and guilt. You'll
play a key part in helping families come through
their crisis.
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