Description

Despite the challenges, the rewards of pediatric nursing are profound. The ability to make a positive impact on a child's life, contribute to their well-being and witness their resilience in the face of illness is a source of immense satisfaction. Celebrating milestones, both big and small, becomes a shared achievement for pediatric nurses, creating a sense of fulfillment that extends beyond the clinical setting.

The unique bond formed between pediatric nurses and their patients and families is a testament to the trust and connection established through the care journey. This bond often extends beyond the immediate period of illness, leaving a lasting impression on the lives of both the healthcare provider and the families they serve.

Principles of safe medication

Nurses needs to learn about preventing medication administration errors while they are still students. In the curricula of nursing schools in Turkey, principles of safe medication administration and dose calculations are included in the content of the principles of nursing and pediatric nursing courses. However, these topics are allocated a limited time period. Studies conducted in Turkey point out those nursing students are inadequate in medication administration. Students learn medication administration primarily theoretically and develop their application skills in laboratories, but they are allowed to apply these skills in a limited and controlled manner in the clinic. In recent years, simulation, which has been used as a complementary learning method for the development of clinical skills in nursing students, has started to develop in Turkey. However, there are not enough simulation laboratories in many nursing schools in Turkey. For this reason, although students have sufficient theoretical knowledge, increasing their competencies for particular patient groups and risky medications is crucial to improve their medication administration skills and reducing their anxiety about medication administration.

The landscape of pediatric nursing is continuously evolving, influenced by advancements in medical technology, changes in healthcare delivery models and a growing emphasis on preventive care. Technological innovations, such as telehealth, have become increasingly relevant in pediatric nursing, especially in providing remote consultations, monitoring chronic conditions and offering support to families in the comfort of their homes.

Preventive care and health promotion

Preventive care and health promotion initiatives have gained prominence, aligning with a broader shift in healthcare toward addressing the social determinants of health. Pediatric nurses are increasingly involved in community-based programs, school health initiatives and public health campaigns aimed at preventing childhood obesity, promoting vaccination and addressing mental health challenges.

Inter-professional collaboration is a key feature of the evolving landscape of pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses work alongside pediatricians, social workers, psychologists, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. This collaborative approach ensures that the diverse needs of children are addressed comprehensively, considering both medical and psychosocial dimensions.

Education and professional development are critical components of ensuring that pediatric nurses remain wellequipped to meet the evolving needs of their young patients. Ongoing training in pediatric-specific skills, advancements in pediatric research and staying abreast of changes in healthcare policies contribute to the competence and adaptability of pediatric nursing professionals.

As healthcare systems around the world undergo transformations, pediatric nursing remains at the forefront of advocating for the unique needs of children and their families. Efforts to increase awareness about pediatric healthcare, improve access to specialized services and address disparities in pediatric healthcare outcomes are ongoing priorities within the pediatric nursing community.

Pediatric nursing stands as a beacon of compassion and expertise in the department of healthcare. Nurturing the future by safeguarding the health and well-being of children, pediatric nurses contain the qualities of empathy, resilience and specialized knowledge. From conducting age-appropriate assessments to providing family-centered care, pediatric nurses play a pivotal role in shaping positive healthcare experiences for young individuals and their families. As the field continues to evolve, the dedication of pediatric nurses to the holistic care of children remains unwavering, ensuring that the youngest members of society receive the support and expertise they need to thrive.

Medication administration errors are the most common type of medical error in hospitalized patients and these errors usually occur during the ordering, dispensing, preparation, or administration. As a result of medication administration errors, trust in healthcare professionals decreases, length of hospitalization, patient care costs and mortality rates increase. Medication administration is one of the most critical tasks that nurses frequently perform. Nurses have vital functions in preventing medication administration errors, by extension, preventing patient.