Repost: Overcoming Pediatric Fears

Hi All,

I am currently in nursing school, and I have a love for pediatrics. I completed internships in college throughout the hospital, and really enjoyed pediatrics. The concern that remains though is, how are you able to deal with pediatric deaths, traumas, etc. I have never seen any dramatic injuries/deaths in the wing while I was there, and I just wanted to know how you get through these traumatic times, and if it inevitably takes a toll on you mentally.
I would love to work in the department some day, but I am concerned about this. Thoughts?
(Also posted on the Pediatrics Speciality Board)
Hi, I've been a peds nurse for 3 years, and I understand your concerns. It can be difficult having to deal with cases of child abuse and neglect. I have primarily worked with the teenager population so while child abuse is seen less in this population, I have seen my share of neglect, especially medical neglect. In these cases you feel terrible for what the child has gone through, but knowing that you are helping to make a difference can help you get through it. I have had pts that I suspected were sexually abused, and those are the cases that I still haven't forgotten. In these cases your documentation is crucial. These cases were few and far between for me, but I know that is not the case on all peds floors.The pediatric deaths can be hard to deal with, especially if it's a chronic or frequent flyer pt that you knew well. I have had a couple deaths that I mourned of chronic pts that died. I am glad that I had a chance to care for those children, and to be there to provide support to their families during the final days. Some nurses will attend funerals or have memorials as a way of showing our own since of mourning the loss. Have you been able to shadow a peds nurse? It might be a good idea to try shadowing for a few days to see.

[font=helv][font=helv]thank you for your response. i have not yet had a chance to directly shadow a peds nurse, but i will definitely look into that, because i know i would find the field rewarding as well as challenging but i am going to have to work on managing my emotions within this unit, for sure.

I have worked PICU for 7 years, and we get through a death by sticking together, I work in an environment where we are not only supported by each other, but by management as well. You will inevitably be devastated once, then you learn to put a little wall up, to protect yourself, you don't even consciously realize you are doing it. There are a variety of jobs available in pediatrics, you will have to research a little to find the perfect spot for you. Working general care pediatrics as opposed to ED or a PICU would probably have less occurances with deaths and codes. Or you can do home care, or work in pediatrician's office, rehab, there is so much available.I wish you luck in finishing school and choosing your path!