I have only been a peds nurse for a year, but I will try to offer some ideas... I also suggest for you to spend some time in this, and the PICU forums, looking through all the old threads, to find alot of good info from people with alot more experience than I have.
-Especially with kids who are often in the hospitals- listen to their parents when they say "he/she is not right" or that something is different, or their kid does NOT take that med, or whatever. And with all parents (and grandparents!!) remember how stressed they are and try not to take their "shortness" etc. too personally (I have a hard time with this one too).
-Always remember to explain what you are doing with kids, in an age appropriate way- especially school age and adolescents. REMEMBER to tell them beforehand if something is going to hurt or be at all uncomfortable!!! And to the parents of the younger kids too, if they seem interested, a lot of the time they are talking with other visitors or just want a chance to rest and are not interested in talking about what you are doing, at least on my floor.
-ENJOY spending time with these kids and remember they are just kids and do "fun" things with them, as a student you will probably have more time for it, and they will love you for it.
-Kids can compensate for a lot longer than older patients so if you have the sense that "something's not right" even though the kid looks pretty okay, you're probably right, check it out further!
I am sure I will think of more later...
Good luck I hope you enjoy it!!
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