chickie72

encourage the parents all the time. they are not in control when they are on a peds ward with a sick child. but if you tell them they are doing a good job by being supportive with the child their confidence will grow, they will gain rapport with you faster and trust that you are doing all you can. never lie to the family and if you dont know what to do just tell the parents that you will find someone that knows, and make sure you do. when looking after the children get down to their level as it is scary for them if you are leaning over them with medical intrusments. on our ward, once the IV cannula is in we make sure we tell the kids that we wont be giving then needles if they are in pain. this makes a huge difference as they know they can tell you they do have pain and that it will be resolved either orally or via the IV cannula already in place. there have been many times when the ED dept have sent a child to us saying that their pain is minimal due to the fact that they thought they would get a needle but when they get to our ward they are in alot of pain. get the kids to do lots of diversional activites (Play) so that they are not dwelling on the illness. include the parents in these activites. all kids love bubbles, so have a stash make sure the child knows you are in control as if they can get the upper hand, they will! always give them an option when doing things, as long as the outcome satisfies both parties have heaps of fun and dont be scard of the parents as they are also scared good luck:nurse:

hi from the gold coast i need info from as many australian nurses as possible about 12 hour shifts.i am commencing a survey on the implementation of 12 hour shifts and need good and bad feedback about 12 hour shifts. do you work off a 4 week roster or some thing else. anything would be good, other paediatric wards in QLD are doing 12 hour shifts and some of our staff are looking to work at these hospitals and it would mean our good skill mix breaking apart and morale heading downhill. hope to hear from you all soon thanks :monkeydance: