Volunteering for pediatric dental clinic- advice?

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So, I'm in the first semester of my nursing school program and the school does this free dental clinic for kids every year and I volunteered to get some practice and start doing things out of my comfort zone. I've never worked with kids before, especially not in this type of way. All we are suppose to do is take their temp, B/P, RR, and pulse. I'm a little nervous just because I know kids tend to be nervous in these situations and don't want to make them feel uncomfortable or scared of me. Is there anything I can do or say before/during/after I take their vitals that will make it better for them, maybe? Adults are easy, it's the kids that I'm not really sure what to do/say when around them lol. Thanks!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

You can narrate your care. What I mean with this is basically tell them everything your are about to do (besides for counting respirations). You can also ask them about school, what sports they play, books/TV. Kids like adult attention.

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You will find that this will become easier very quickly. Good for you for mindfully stretching out of your comfort zone! :flwrhrts:

Did you ever babysit? Do you have younger family members? What did you talk to those kids about?

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