Presenter(s)
Madeline Vitzthum and Julia Bangert
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Nursing is a specialty that requires deep clinical knowledge and skill but also high levels of emotional engagement. This is most apparent in pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses are the nurses who care for societies' most precious and vulnerable population, and because of this, pediatric nurses' experiences may differ from those who care for adults. However, there is a noticeable gap in the existing literature that specifically describes the unique challenges and benefits of this nursing specialty. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of pediatric nurses and to identify the strategies they use to navigate challenging situations in practice. Method: This qualitative study used a focus group method which was guided by semi-structured interviews to ensure core topics were covered and to facilitate in-depth discussion, while allowing participants to expand on their experiences. Discussion topics included the unique aspects of the pediatric nursing specialty, perceived challenges and benefits of working in pediatric settings, and coping strategies used by nurses in their professional roles. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling strategy. Seven registered nurses (N = 7) took part in the study. The sample included nurses representing multiple pediatric specialties, including the pediatric emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and bone marrow transplant/oncology units. The 90-minute focus group session was audio and video recorded. Data were transcribed verbatim and de-identified. Line by line analysis was used to label words or phrases representing key ideas or sentiments. This thematic analysis approach was used to identify recurring patterns and themes across participants' responses. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained prior to data collection. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: (1) emotional and physical demands, including high patient acuity and the intensity of caring for sick children; (2) professional rewards, characterized by a deep sense of fulfillment and work engagement; and (3) the development of resilience, where nurses utilized peer support, humor and reflective practices to navigate high-stress environments. Notable subthemes emerged from the data which informed and strengthened the primary themes. Conclusion: This qualitative study revealed many unique aspects of pediatric nursing and how it may differ from adult nursing. The findings deepened understanding of pediatric nurses' experiences, particularly the emotional and professional demands associated with caring for children and their families. The study also identified coping strategies pediatric nurses used to manage these demands and explored nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of these approaches. Collectively, the findings provide a clearer picture of the realities pediatric nurses face in their daily practice. Future research should further examine specific occupational stressors such as pediatric patient death and exposure to child maltreatment and their effects on pediatric nurses' well being and professional sustainability.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Nursing
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Maryann Abendroth
Second Advisor/Mentor
Megan Anibas
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
68
The Experiences of Pediatric Nurses
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Background and Purpose: Nursing is a specialty that requires deep clinical knowledge and skill but also high levels of emotional engagement. This is most apparent in pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses are the nurses who care for societies' most precious and vulnerable population, and because of this, pediatric nurses' experiences may differ from those who care for adults. However, there is a noticeable gap in the existing literature that specifically describes the unique challenges and benefits of this nursing specialty. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of pediatric nurses and to identify the strategies they use to navigate challenging situations in practice. Method: This qualitative study used a focus group method which was guided by semi-structured interviews to ensure core topics were covered and to facilitate in-depth discussion, while allowing participants to expand on their experiences. Discussion topics included the unique aspects of the pediatric nursing specialty, perceived challenges and benefits of working in pediatric settings, and coping strategies used by nurses in their professional roles. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling strategy. Seven registered nurses (N = 7) took part in the study. The sample included nurses representing multiple pediatric specialties, including the pediatric emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and bone marrow transplant/oncology units. The 90-minute focus group session was audio and video recorded. Data were transcribed verbatim and de-identified. Line by line analysis was used to label words or phrases representing key ideas or sentiments. This thematic analysis approach was used to identify recurring patterns and themes across participants' responses. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained prior to data collection. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: (1) emotional and physical demands, including high patient acuity and the intensity of caring for sick children; (2) professional rewards, characterized by a deep sense of fulfillment and work engagement; and (3) the development of resilience, where nurses utilized peer support, humor and reflective practices to navigate high-stress environments. Notable subthemes emerged from the data which informed and strengthened the primary themes. Conclusion: This qualitative study revealed many unique aspects of pediatric nursing and how it may differ from adult nursing. The findings deepened understanding of pediatric nurses' experiences, particularly the emotional and professional demands associated with caring for children and their families. The study also identified coping strategies pediatric nurses used to manage these demands and explored nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of these approaches. Collectively, the findings provide a clearer picture of the realities pediatric nurses face in their daily practice. Future research should further examine specific occupational stressors such as pediatric patient death and exposure to child maltreatment and their effects on pediatric nurses' well being and professional sustainability.
