Examines the role of the paediatric nurse-practitioner in the care of terminally-ill children.
Terminally ill children and their families require attention and services that are different from those of other clinical populations. The paediatric nurse-practitioner can provide terminally-ill children and their families with crucial information regarding the status and course of the child?s illness. Furthermore, the paediatric nurse-practitioner would provide families with the psychological and spiritual support required before and after the death of a terminally-ill child. This discussion centers around the position of the paediatric nurse-practitioner and the roles and responsibilities inherent to the position. A review of some of the relevant literature surrounding this position and advanced nursing in general are presented. Also, theoretical approaches in regards to the practice of the paediatric nurse-practitioner are also addressed.
“Based on areas of specialization acquired, the paediatric nurse practitioner may also act in a consultant role, in which the aim is to improve the care of patients and nursing practice regarding the patient population in question (Teicher et al., 2001). As a consultant, the paediatric nurse practitioner has the ability to analyze clinical data and discuss patient outcome with the patient and his or her family (Teicher et al., 2001). The consultant role allows paediatric nurse practitioners to enhance overall outcomes of patients through the development of teaching materials aimed at the patients and their families (Teicher et al., 2001).”