Peds tricks of the trade

PEDSOBRN · Jun 29, 2007

Well, with each pediatric patient you have to consider there age and realize that they are all in a different developmental stage. Such as the younger ones, you want to make sure that you get down to there level and let them feel you about before you go right at them and poke them. Always remember to reward them for good behavior. As far as giving injections and drawaing blood, you want to get it done and over with as quickly as possible. If the parents are willing to stay in the room they are usually very helpful. Alot of times they can help you to hold the child down (depending on the age). Swaddling babes works to (obviosuly leaving out whichever extrmity you will use). I am not sure if your office has child life specialist but they are amazing and help a lot if you have them. Another thing is if you have to give more than one injection give them all at once (in different sites with assistance of other nurses if there are other nurses there) that way the child is only traumatized once. Im not sure if that helped you at all. Let me know what other kind of info you are looking for. I have done several injections and blood draws on babes and kids.

Ilovegardening · Jun 30, 2007

One thing that I try to do for the kids who are old enough to know they are getting a shot but young enough to be anxious about it, when you are doing your history and vitals, (prior to the doctor coming in) I usually tell the parents what immunizations the child will be receiving that day, using the word immunizations instead of shots, especially if the child is playing and distracted. When I first started in peds I would say "shots" and alot of the kids would immediatly start crying and become upset. Let the doctor come in and do their part, then when you go back in with the injections explain briefly to the child what you are going to do and that it will hurt just a bit for a few seconds, kind of like a bee sting. I just dont like to upset them till its time. Some kids have been so upset they cry the whole time they are there. Have rewards like stickers, etc., to give as soon as its over, it really does help. If the child asks early on during the visit if they will be getting shots, always be honest. After awhile I began to know our patients, and I have special little cards or notes for them when their physical falls very close to their birthday, which it often does. Also know your vaccines and be prepared to explain the risks, side effects and why the vaccine is necessary, have information sheets for parents to take home, because believe me parents will ask and have plenty of questions.