learning Objectives - Understand the concept of the child health care, trends & emerging challenges for pediatric nurses Describe the role of pediatric nurses in clinics, hospitals and community
Hours - 5
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussions Project on collection of vital statistics related to child health
Assessment Methods - Short answers Objective type Essay type
Content of the chapter
a) Modern concept in child health
care
b) Trends in pediatric nursing
c) Role of pediatric nurses in child
care
d) Emerging challenges, nursing
process related to pediatric
nursing
e) Concept of preventive pediatric
f) Vital statistics related to
pediatrics as per the NRHS and
GoI.
Child Health Nursing.
Child Health Nursing focuses on the promotion, protection, and maintenance of health of children from conception through adolescence. It emphasizes preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care in family-centered and community-based settings.
a) Modern Concept in Child Health Care
The modern concept of child health care is holistic, comprehensive, and family-centered, moving beyond illness-oriented care.
Key Features
- Child viewed as a bio-psycho-social being
- Emphasis on growth and development
- Family-centered care approach
- Focus on prevention and health promotion
- Care delivered at hospital, home, and community level
- Rights of the child (UNICEF/WHO concept)
- Community participation and inter-sectoral coordination
b) Trends in Pediatric Nursing
Pediatric nursing has evolved with changes in health care systems and child needs.
Major Trends
- Shift from hospital care to community-based care
- Emphasis on preventive and promotive health
- Family-centered and child-friendly care
- Use of evidence-based practice
- Advances in neonatal and pediatric intensive care
- Growth of school health nursing
- Use of technology and tele-health
- Focus on child safety and rights
c) Role of Pediatric Nurses in Child Care
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in ensuring optimal health and development of children.
Roles
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Growth and developmental assessment
- Immunization and nutrition counseling
- Care of sick and hospitalized children
- Family education and support
- Early identification of health problems
- School health services
- Advocacy for child rights
- Community outreach and home visits
d) Emerging Challenges and Nursing Process Related to Pediatric Nursing
Emerging Challenges
- Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
- Childhood infections and emerging diseases
- Congenital and genetic disorders
- Mental and behavioral problems
- Accidents and injuries
- Adolescent health issues
- Impact of poverty and social inequality
Nursing Process in Pediatric Nursing
- Assessment
- Growth, development, nutrition
- Family and environmental factors
- Nursing Diagnosis
- Imbalanced nutrition
- Risk for infection
- Delayed growth and development
- Planning
- Age-appropriate goals
- Family involvement
- Implementation
- Child-friendly interventions
- Play therapy and education
- Evaluation
- Improvement in health and development
- Achievement of goals
e) Concept of Preventive Pediatrics
Preventive pediatrics aims to prevent disease and promote healthy growth in children.
Levels of Prevention
Primary Prevention
- Immunization
- Nutrition promotion
- Safe environment
- Health education
Secondary Prevention
- Early diagnosis
- Screening programs
- Prompt treatment
Tertiary Prevention
- Rehabilitation
- Prevention of complications
- Long-term care of chronic illness
f) Vital Statistics Related to Pediatrics (as per NRHS / GoI)
Vital statistics help assess child health status and guide planning.
Key Indicators
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
Number of infant deaths (<1 year) per 1,000 live births - Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR):
Deaths within first 28 days per 1,000 live births - Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR):
Deaths of children under 5 years per 1,000 live births - Sex Ratio (0–6 years):
Number of girls per 1,000 boys - Low Birth Weight Rate
- Immunization Coverage
- Nutritional Status Indicators
➡️ According to NRHS and Government of India, these indicators show a declining trend in child mortality due to improved maternal and child health services, immunization programs, and nutrition initiatives.
Conclusion
Child Health Nursing is a dynamic and evolving field focusing on holistic, preventive, and family-centered care. Pediatric nurses play a crucial role in promoting child survival, growth, development, and well-being, contributing significantly to national child health goals.