Without a doubt, the hospital system would fall apart without the services of the best pediatric nurses in the world. At North Texas Medical Center, we are proud to have some of the best pediatric nurse leaders and pediatric nurse practitioners, who are all heroes in the region.
That is why we want to take the time to honor them during Pediatric Nurses Week! These are selfless individuals who go out of their way every day, making sure they do everything they can to advocate for the best interests of their patients.
During this time, we want to shine a light on just how important our pediatric nurses are and discuss everything they do for not only the hospital but also our patients and their families!
What Do Pediatric Nurses Do?
A pediatric nurse can work in a wide variety of medical settings. For example, you might encounter a pediatric nurse on the hospital floor if you have a child who was in the hospital.
You might also encounter a pediatric nurse in the ICU if you have a child who requires intensive care. Even though you will commonly see pediatric nurses in the inpatient setting, you can see them in other areas as well.
For example, you may also encounter a pediatric nurse in the outpatient clinic if your child has a doctor’s appointment. Or, you will see a pediatric nurse in the emergency room if your child has to see an emergency medicine physician.
Pediatric nurses work with children; however, the vast majority of medical centers will continue to see children on the pediatric side until they reach the age of 21. In addition to taking care of the child, a pediatric nurse also takes care of the entire family.
For example, a pediatric nurse and take care of brothers, sisters, and even parents who have a child in the hospital. Because this is such an important, demanding, and selfless job, all pediatric nurses need to be recognized for their hard work.
That is why Pediatric Nurses Week is one of the most important times of the year in all medical systems, including North Texas Medical Center.
When Is Pediatric Nurses Week?
Pediatric Nurses Week was originally established by the Society of Pediatric Nurses. This Week usually falls in October, and while you can celebrate Pediatric Nurses Week during any time in October, it usually falls during the second week.
During this time, the hospital will be decorated, special nurses will be recognized for their work, and all nurses will be showered with love.
Even though this is a great time for hospital administrators, doctors, and staff to go all out, celebrating their pediatric nurses, it is not unusual for patients and their families to go the extra mile to give their nurses a shoutout during Pediatric Nurses Week as well!
How Do We Celebrate?
There are several ways to celebrate Pediatric Nurses Week! For example, numerous staff members can be seen sporting buttons and tags, showing their support of the hardworking pediatric nurses who give selflessly to their patients.
In a lot of cases, there will be doctors’ offices that organize luncheons and meals for their nurses, making sure they feel loved and celebrated. This is also an opportunity to reward pediatric nurses for everything they do!
There are several other fun activities that nurses will do specifically with their patients during Pediatric Nurses Week. For example, there are fun coloring activities, face painting activities, and even scavenger hunts that take place!
A lot of nurses will want to direct the attention toward causes that matter to their patients or their specialties during this time. This is a great opportunity for patients and families to talk to their providers to see how they can get involved.
At North Texas Medical Center, we have no shortage of ways you can show your love for your favorite nurses during Pediatric Nurses Week!
How Might a Pediatric Nurse Help You and Your Family?
There are several important ways a professional pediatric nurse may help you and your family if you have a child in the hospital. A few examples include:
A pediatric nurse is going to be responsible for helping your child feel more comfortable in the hospital. He or she is going to keep your child entertained, give your child a hand to hold, and interpret medical jargon that might be difficult to understand.
A pediatric nurse will pinpoint the pains of your child, managing his or her fears. That way, your child knows that there is always someone there to guide the way.
A pediatric nurse is also responsible for managing the emotions of family members and friends. A nurse will talk to parents and loved ones, explaining to them what is going on. A nurse will also talk to brothers and sisters, keeping them out of the way, entertained, and comfortable.
A pediatric nurse will also come rushing to the aid of your child in the event of a medical emergency. If your child requires emergency medical care, a pediatric nurse has been trained to know what to do.
Most importantly, a pediatric nurse is also responsible for advocating for the best interests of your child. Your nurse will always place the needs of your child at the top of the priority list.
These are just a few of the many jobs a pediatric nurse has to fulfill. Because a pediatric nurse has to juggle all of these jobs for numerous patients at the same time, this is a job that can only be done by smart, intelligent, compassionate, and passionate pediatric nurses.
At North Texas Medical Center, we are honored to have some of the best pediatric nurses in the world working with our team, advocating for their patients. If you have a child who requires medical care, rely on the team from North Texas Medical Center to help you!
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