Doreen Crawford

Nursing Children and Young People

Generic training will not prepare nurses of right calibre to care for children and families

The Shape of Caring review was commissioned last year by Health Education England (HEE) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) following a succession of high-profile publications ( Willis 2012 , Francis 2013 , Keogh 2013 , National Advisory Group on the Safety of Patients in England (known as the Berwick report) 2013 , Bubb 2014 )

Nursing Children and Young People

Educating children’s nurses for communicating bad news

Some parents are unhappy with the way news is broken to them. This article seeks to educate and inform the reflective practitioner on a series of communication strategies to enhance their skills. This is important because the way news is disclosed can affect the way news is accepted and the level of support the family will require. The importance of clarity, honesty and empathy is emphasised.

Nursing Children and Young People

Maintaining good practice in the administration of medicines to children

This article discusses the role of the children’s nurse in the administration of medicines to children. What is meant by the phrase ‘off label’ is explained, along with the legal processes involved in ensuring medicines are safe to be administered to children, and the ethical issues behind the practice of crushing and disguising medication. Areas where errors can occur are identified and the importance of assessing each child and minimising harm are emphasised.

Nursing Children and Young People

Care and nursing management of a child with a chest drain

Caring for and managing an infant or a child with a chest drain may cause the children’s nurse some anxiety because, although the management is relatively simple, there is potential for disconnection of the equipment, re-accumulation of the pneumothorax and complications – such as pain and infection – that adversely affect the health and wellbeing of the child. Understanding the underlying anatomy and physiology, the pathology behind air leaks, the principles of asepsis, and the assessment and management of a child with a chest drain will enhance the children’s nurse’s confidence and reduce the likelihood of adverse incidents.

Nursing Children and Young People

Understanding childhood asthma and the development of the respiratory tract

Asthma is a chronic and acute condition that causes inflammation of the airways in response to allergens such as viral infections and pollen. This article reviews the developmental anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract, and considers asthma diagnosis, treatment and management. This article is intended for the student or the junior registered nurse, however the experienced mentor may find it useful as a framework to help them support the learning needs of mentees.

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