NURSING

                                                                             NURSING

Nursing a child is not just a question of caring for a miniature adult. You have to understand how a healthy child develops towards adulthood and know how to minimise the impact of illness or hospital admission on the child. This involves working in partnership with the parents, or whoever looks after the child at home.

Another factor that complicates treatment of the younger child is that of communication. While adults can express what they feel and need or identify the severity and nature of pain a child may not be able to communicate in such detail and the nurse needs to interpret behaviour and reactions intelligently. Children's nurses need to be able to spot when a child's health takes a turn for the worse, which can happen rapidly.

Health problems can have an effect on a child's development and it's vital to work with the child's family or carers to ensure that he or she does not suffer additionally due to the stress of being ill or in hospital.

       The children's nurse is in a unique position to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.

• These differences may vary from life-saving interventions to smaller acts of care and support
• It is a privileged position which allows you to help families when they can be at their most vulnerable
• Children's nurses work in many different and varied environments, including specialist and intensive care units, hospital wards, day care centres, child health clinics, schools and the child's own home