Clinical Advice! Please help!

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Hello, everyone

im a 3rd semester ABSN student (4th semester is role immersion). We're taking maternal-child health as our main course. We did 6 weeks of maternity (loved it!), and we are about to start our pediatric round. The pediatric floor I'm on has patients from 0 years-9 years. My question is: any advice on how to approach kids? I'm fine with babies, and have had 2 semesters of med-surg, which made me comfortable with adults. I'm just nervous about verbal kids: like, I come in to take vitals and the 6-year-old says no. How do I deal with that? This is a new terrain for me, and I'd appreciate any advise.

thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Well, first of all- you do not EVER offer a child a choice if they really have none. Be matter-of-fact with the things you need to do- then DO them.

Talk to children like you would talk to any intelligent human being, using vocabulary they can understand.

NEVER assume the parents know what you're talking about either.

Watch the RN you're paired with- follow his/her lead.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I saw a video once as part of some mandatory inservice class. The video discussed just this very thing. Allow the child to handle the equipment (play around with it for a few seconds) first. Tell the child to watch what the equipment does after you press whatever button. Then allow the child to, let's say, check your blood pressure by pressing the button and watching the numbers light up on the machine...or check your temperature. Give the 'oh wow, look at that' effect. 'Let's see if you can make that thing light up again'. This should engage the child. Then you're ready for the 'now, let's see if we can make the machine light up with your arm'.

After this, the child should light up whenever you come into the room with equipment. Kids like to be little helpers.:up:

If that doesn't help, put the little brat across your knee and give him what-for! (Just kidding)!:roflmao:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Disclaimer: I've never worked with kids, so I don't know if my described technique will work or not. Some kids are just holy terrors. But it sure did work in the video.;)

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I recently landed my dream job in peds after years of working disability services. Some of these tips I learned in my prior experience and some im learning as I go. A few helpful things I have done/learned. For starters really touch up on Ericksons stages, it really is a great resource as to dealing with different ages and stages. Always try to talk to kids at their eye level, this really does make a huge difference in communication. Do not give choices when there really is no choice, but always offer choices when you can. For example they can't choose for you to give them that IM injection or take their BP but they can choose which arm you use to do it. Distraction can also usually work wonders, and something child like, cute, and silly on your name badge or scrubs can be helpful too. Listen to the parents because they know their children better than anyone BUT always form your own opinion, gather your own data, etc. Also I would say is try not to take yourself so seriously. I don't mean this as don't take your job and duties seriously (honestly in my opinion with kids you have to be even more diligent because they are that much more more vulnerable) but I mean this as most kids like to feel good and be happy and play. Being a kid in the hospital isnt the same as being an adult in the hospital so try and remember that and then let your inner child out a bit (when appropriate of course):)

One last thing is to watch and listen to the nurses around you, they will teach you so much!I know they have for me!

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Specializes in Critical care.

I'm not a peds nurse, but I found when I was doing clinical that some good ol' stickers can make a big difference. Sometimes the kids are scared and something to take their mind off what is going on helps so much. I once went to take vitals on a young girl (about 5 years old I think) who was so upset (screaming and crying) before I even went into the room. I distracted her with the stickers- got her to calm down and built a little rapport with her. Once she was calmed down I was able to get a good set of vitals on her, which never would have happened without some sparkly cupcake stickers :D.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hello, everyone

im a 3rd semester ABSN student (4th semester is role immersion). We're taking maternal-child health as our main course. We did 6 weeks of maternity (loved it!), and we are about to start our pediatric round. The pediatric floor I'm on has patients from 0 years-9 years. My question is: any advice on how to approach kids? I'm fine with babies, and have had 2 semesters of med-surg, which made me comfortable with adults. I'm just nervous about verbal kids: like, I come in to take vitals and the 6-year-old says no. How do I deal with that? This is a new terrain for me, and I'd appreciate any advise.

thanks!

You do vitals as the child allows....sort of. If they are there for PNA of another infectious process you need a temp and O2 sat. Don't give a choice if there is none. Tell the 6 year old....I won't take your B/P but we will do your temp. DO NOT lie to them. Be honest. If it is going to hurt...say so. Stickers are HUGE. Spend a weekend watching cartoons and PBS mornings...it helps to know the latest cartoons. Don't show your fear....they can smell it from the hallway. Sometimes you will have to do something and they will cry and scream. The best part....they feel all better when they are held and rocked. You'll be fine.
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