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Paediatric Nursing Tips

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Author Paediatric Nursing Tips

nursebethy

(offline)

  • Joined: Dec 2009
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Tue Dec 01, 2009 7:12 pm

Hi all, I begin my graduate year in jan 2010 at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne. I was just wondering if any of you with experience in paediatric hospital nursing might have some pointers / tips / advice / words of wisdom for me as I'm pretty freaked out about the whole thing.

One of my main concerns is a lack of knowledge in performing even the most basic pf procedures on kids such as taking blood, since everything is so different in child nursing. The hospital only gives us 2 supernumary days so I am envisioning a LOT of time spent trying to find someone to help me and stumbling around frustrated. Any pointers?

I know the Hospital's website is good, I'm more looking for inside practical advise from paeds nurses. Particularly little tricks you've found invaluable in negotiating with children or working with children or comforting children. Thanks!

Emmie

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  • Joined: Jan 2010
  • Location:
  • Posts: 1

Jan 04, 2010, 04:52 pm

Hia Nursebethy,

I am a paediatric nurse who has worked in the RCH, on 5th floor, 6th floor and ED. I loved it there. I qualified in 1999 in England and moved to Oz in 2003.

The best tips for you is to remember distraction ++++++ It is possible with some wiggles and well placed angel cream to get a blood sample without them even noticing!!! As for obs, try and do most of them from as far away as possible, RR from the end of the bed, pulse is sometimes easier from the foot as then they can play with something in their hands. As for BP, most of the time you only need a baseline BP and then repeat only if the condition worsens, or if there is a particular reason, eg ?UTI, Cardiac issues, dehydration, oncology pt, blood transfusion. If a child is coming in with bronc, they most likely don't need a BP.

If you are an ANF member (nurses union ) there is a great Grad support officer who you can go to for extra support and assistance if you need it.

I hope you enjoy the childrens as much as I have, good luck!!!

Liz123

(offline)

  • Joined: Jan 2010
  • Location: Adelaide, SA
  • Posts: 14

Jan 21, 2010, 03:25 pm

hi Emmi,
I hope hoping you could possibly give me some advice aswell. I am wanting to study EN (i have completed cert 3 in aged care,) and specialise in paed. Im scared of shift work, first all. im scared i wont be able to handle staying up late, or getting up early. and second of all, im scared i wont be a good nurse. Is there words of wisdom you can share with me. Did u feel the same way when completing your studies.

Thanks.

Liz

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