The experience of hospitalized children regarding their interactions with nursing professionals

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the experience of children in their interactions with nursing professionals while in hospital. It is a qualitative study supported by the critical incident technique. Data was collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with thirty hospitalized children and teenagers between 8 and 14 years old. The results showed that children positively valued nursing care at the hospital and recognized that interactions with nursing staff included social and emotional factors. It is concluded that communication established with children plays a fundamental role to comprehend their experiences while in hospital. Therefore, nurses need to evaluate their strategies and relational skills used to interact with children at the hospital.