11 Tips for Communicating With Children if You Work in the Pediatrics Department

Older children, young children, active children, introverted children, regardless of the type of patient, the pediatric nurse has an important role in healing him. With a little respect, humor, and communication, it can alleviate the suffering of children admitted to the pediatric ward.

Pediatric nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients from birth to adolescence. These medical professionals must have a thorough knowledge of the growth and development of children because diseases and health problems in children are often treated differently than in adults.

Because their patients are much younger, pediatric nurses often build strong relationships with them in different ways than they would with adult patients - playing games with them, holding hands during hard procedures, and communicating with them. and so on

Although some tasks are similar to those that would be performed in an adult care unit, nurses who work with children need to perform their tasks with more care and attention. Pediatric nurses have a greater influence on the patient's future - from growth and development to the promotion of his health.

Effective communication is essential not only for the care of patients in the pediatric ward but is the primary care provider's tool for conveying respect, empathy, and compassion for patients and their families.

Involving patients in discussions is very important in the healing process, so nurses working in pediatrics should communicate with them not only about their physical condition but also about their mental state. The child's involvement must be conscious and deliberate.

Here are 11 tips for communicating with children if you work in the pediatrics department:

1. Find out the child's name first

A friendly address can help create a beneficial relationship with the child who is suffering. Before the initial visit, make sure you know the patient's full name until you enter the salon.

To get even closer to him and urge him to communicate, check the child's preferred name, if he has multiple first names. To feel close, always address the patient and family members by name, even if it means having a good memory and documenting yourself beforehand.

2. It is important to introduce yourself

Children will feel more comfortable and will want to communicate if you are going to treat them as if you were a known person and not a health care professional. So, every time you talk to a patient, it's a good idea to introduce yourself and make sure you have good intentions.

After the necessary introduction and presentation, it is advisable to allow time for the patient and/or parents to talk about the reason for attending the hospital. It is important to let them express their concerns without interrupting them.

3. Physically lower the patient

When you want to interact with children, to reduce their slightest fear, physically lower them to the level of their eyes. Take a chair or sit next to them on the bed. This proves that you are listening to them, which makes them more cooperative and they will feel comfortable in the presence of the medical staff.

4. Smile at them

This is especially important when meeting patients in the pediatric ward. A smile and a positive attitude will make them feel safe and will communicate much more easily with the medical staff.

5. Accept the presence of parents

Some procedures and treatments are painful and cause children discomfort, so it is important for them if they are supported by their parents and medical staff. Thus, when possible, accept the presence of parents in the living room and communicate openly with them. If you are a pediatrician, it is advisable to use a family-centered approach, which means that you include, involve, and communicate with all family members and the patient.

6. Sincerity is appreciated

Children, like adults, appreciate if they are approached directly, receiving the information much more easily, if it is true. The child's desire for autonomy varies from child to child, depending on his age, level of development, and personality.

However, if you notice that the patient wants to know everything about his condition, about his progress, and about what will happen next, try to communicate with him. Even if some things would hurt him, if his parents also agree, be honest with the patient.

Explaining what is going to happen helps the patient cope with the health problem. Most patients have difficulty figuring out exactly what is going to happen to them, whether they are children or adults. The more complex the treatment plan, the greater the challenge of making sure that the patient or parent truly understands it.

7. Avoid raising your voice

Children hate to be scolded or spoken to in a harsh tone. Having such behavior only creates a state of fear for them, which will lead to a lack of involvement in discussions with the medical staff.

Even if a patient did something wrong, unintentionally caused a problem, try to fix the situation and explain what happened, without yelling at him.

Understanding and managing expectations are important, so it is appropriate to ask both the patient and the parent about their expectations for control or hospitalization.

8. Asking questions

The classic question: "Do you have any questions?" addressing yourself while standing up and heading for the door is not the most effective way to get patients to communicate. It is advisable to ask this question more amicably while sitting next to the patient or parents.

The words you choose have a huge impact on patients and their relationship with healthcare professionals. Although there are many facets of how you communicate with patients, the words you use to convey the message are critical and influence how it is received by patients.

9. Two-way communication is important

Communication should be two-way, not a monologue or a question-and-answer exercise. Pay close attention to protocol-based communication, even if it is a rigid set of predetermined questions.

Even if you have to ask him those classic questions, try to evade the patient's answers through a relaxed and open conversation.

10. Use empathy

In the case of pediatric nurses, empathy is best defined as the ability to recognize the emotions experienced by a patient or parent. If you have this feature, it will be much easier for you to build relationships with patients and communicate with them.

11. Use the information they give you

This technique involves repeating a meaningful word or expression that the patient has said. It is especially useful when a patient has told you about his feelings. It is a safe technique in that you do not give an interpretation, but simply indicate that you have heard what the patient said and that you will probably make him detail it.

Also, clarifying the information received is a higher skill level than reflection and is useful in communicating with patients in the pediatric ward. This involves re-editing or defining what the patient said. Clarification can help patients or parents to recognize and understand their feelings, feeling close.

Creating a good relationship with patients is very important, whether you are a pediatrician, an adult nurse, or another type of health care professional. Compassion and respect for patients of all ages is a cornerstone of proper health care.