Peds clinicals

[Ginyer]

I start my clinicals in peds next week and was looking for any advice that may be helpful with these little patients. We're learning the basics of communicating with them and their families and the differences in skills and procedures compared to the adult patients but I'm open to any good tips that you may have that helped with communication or skills.

Thanks a lot,

Ginyer

[NewEnglandRN, RN]

Awesome responses!

I LOVED my pedi rotation.

• Definitely be familar with different pain scales and "typical" child development (we use Erikson scale).
  
• Listen to the parents/ caregiver because they are usually the best judge of the child.
  
• Always know the weight in kg of your pedi pt. Your instructor will constantly ask you.
  
• For communication with you pedi pt, the advice listed already is wonderful.
  

Good luck,

[TRichter]

From a peds nurse and preceptor:

Remember to smile! Parents like it when you address the child, not just talk to the parents. Always look up med. doses, remember they will be very small, if it looks like a large dose, it may need to be adjusted. Don't lie, tell them what you are going to do and if it is going to hurt. Give pain med via IV before procedures. If the facility gives shots, recommend giving everything IV if possible, it doesn't hurt and helps the kids have a more positive experience. Ask the staff questions, they are there to help you. Advocate for the patients, if you have a suggestion, bring it up with the RN or your instuctor. Rember that the kids are scared, so stay calm and talk softly. You will do fine, and welcome to nursing. While your doing your rotation in peds, think about joining the specialty.

I start my clinicals in peds next week and was looking for any advice that may be helpful with these little patients. We're learning the basics of communicating with them and their families and the differences in skills and procedures compared to the adult patients but I'm open to any good tips that you may have that helped with communication or skills.

Thanks a lot,

Ginyer