Ped help!!

Best bet is to pull out that developmental information from nursing school's pediatric course-if you still have it; familiarize yourself on how kiddos think, etc...that's a start on how to approach a patient when taking medication, performing procedures, etc.

Most of the children I work with have central lines, so rarely I see an IV, what do you use for adults? If you use those net-like mesh coverings, they work well on a pedi patient, at least in my experience.

Most of all be direct with kids...never tell them their medicine is "candy", that a needle isn't going to hurt, things like that.

That's all I can think of, for now...

Hope this helps!

Explain things to the kids. And if the kid is too young to understand, explain things to the parents. Much of a child's fear can be alleviated if you are honest with them and tell them what you are going to do. That's the best way to build rapport both with the child and the family. As far as the parents are concerned, remember that having a child in the hospital and not being able to care for them is one of the most hopeless feelings. But they still know the child better than anyone. They still are your best resource for figuring out how to get a child to take a medication, or for comforting them, or for getting them to cooperate. Ask for their opinion. Ask if they think there is something that we can do better or differently. Give them the opportunity to be involved in the parts of their child's care that it is appropriate/safe for them to be involved in, but don't judge if they choose not to.

For the children, if something is going to hurt, tell them. Or at the very least, don't tell them it won't. For toddlers and 3-4 year olds, show them the equipment before using it. Let them touch your stethoscope or listen to mom's lungs before you try to listen to theirs. 3+ years, if they have a choice, give them a choice. They may not be able to choose if they want to take their medicine or not, but they can choose to take the white medicine before the pink medicine, or which limb they want their blood pressure taken.

IV's- your best bet is to check them frequently. Retape when needed, and tape well. Cover them with clothing or mesh wraps when possible. Out of sight, out of mind is a reality for young children. We also use splint-like IV protectors called No-Nos that we can use to immobilize an extremity and prevent the child from getting to the IV site. If you're placing the IV, try not to put it in a place that the child moves a lot, like the anticubital vein.

I love No-Nos!!! They are awesome for all ages if the ED happened to use that dreaded AC.... no more incessant distal occlusion beeps due to the bend of an elbow when a good no no is in place!!

Sit down with your kids, and talk to them on their level. We tower over them when we are standing, and are scary or intimidating. =) make anything you can a game or competition, that is often helpful. Like already mentioned, explain things to them, so they know what to expect, acknowledge their fear and anxiety, an let them know it's ok to be scared, to cry, whatever,

ada long as they hold still, etc.

parents are a valuable resource since they know their child, so listen to what they say as far as how to approach, or get them to cooperate. For PO meds I will often let the parent give them if it is easier.

IVs we have padded arm boards to keep them safe, and we get creative with tape. =) I need to look into these No Nos you guys have mentioned. =)

Thanks so much for the advice! The suggestions have been great.