The role of a paediatric nurse

The role of a paediatric nurse

Wherever paediatric nurses practice, their main function is the welfare of the child and his family. In this country, due to a dearth of paediatric nurses, even fully trained nurses, the home care of the child is dealt with by community health worker or auxiliary nurses.

Nursing of the children is aimed at the highest possible state of health to each child. It includes preventing diseases or injuries, helping children to meet their health needs, to achieve and maintain adequate health and development, and rehabilitating them, who have deviated from normal routine. The role of the paediatric nurse depends on her education, experience, job structure, and professional demands.

1) Preventive Care:

Prevention of illness and injury is important in the role of the paediatric nurse. Preventive care should be considered in relation to all aspects of the children's health. The nurse must plan care for even- aspect of growth and development of the child. Problems related to development, nutrition, immunisation, dental care, safety, socialisation, and education should be assessed. Any required guidance should be provided.

2) Health Education:

The nurse should give appropriate health teaching with general feedback from the parents. She should give health instructions, as planned talks or incidental teaching as required. The nurse can act as a model for the parents and children by her manners and behaviours.

3) Restoration of Health :

The nurses' role in the restoration of health is accomplished through care giving activities. While nursing the sick children, the nurse is involved in meeting their needs such as feeding, bathing, security, comfort, and other care. She must do continual assessment and evaluation, to modify the care plan and meet the developmental needs, which influence children's health. The rehabilitation of physically or mentally disabled children is also an important aspect of restoration.

4) Coordination:

The nurse plays an important role in the health team by coordinating activities related to patient care, which are interdependent on various health team workers and departments. The communication and coordination may be direct or indirect, depending on health care system.

In brief, the paediatric nurse can provide comprehensive care, to the infants and children including guidance to the parents, about their role in the childcare.