Concept Analysis: Stress, for Families Related to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is considered stressful environment and emotionally challenging for parents and caregivers. Studies have demonstrated immediate as well as post-traumatic stress disorders among parents whose children are admitted in PICU. The term “stress”, as it is currently used was coined by Hans Selye in 1936, who defined it as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand for change. (Merriam-Webster, 2012).” Admission of a child to a pediatric intensive care unit is one of the most stressful situations any parent can be faced with. The very criteria for admission to a PICU are frightening and can realistically prompt
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A comprehensive evaluation of ways to alleviate and educate nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers on mechanisms related to relieving stress. We will define what stress is and how is can affect healing, coping and the ability to educate families in their time of need. “Nowadays, health care has been transformed to a patient-centered model, so that the patient plays a more active role in care (Michael D. Aldridge, 2005)”. In pediatric nursing, family-centered care is also a basic element, which emphasizes on dynamic relationship between the family members and treatment and care providing team, as well as involving the family in …show more content…
“Parents should receive orientation to the sights and sounds of the unit, such as alarms, monitors, and procedures that parents may observe.” Parents should also be given the units telephone number and encouraged to call whenever necessary.
Enhancing Parental Role Alteration of parental role is a common stressor. Parents should have the option of staying with the child at all times, especially during procedures, tests, and resuscitations. Essentially, the parents should have unrestricted access to the child. They should also be encouraged to participate in the child’s care and provide comfort measures.
Developing Trust Developing trust is very important. Simple things, such as knowing the names and roles of members of the healthcare team, are important to parents. Parents trust the staff more when the parents had access to their children during invasive procedures, because such access diminished parental fears, concerns, and regrets about unknown events.
Providing Support Providing support is an essential intervention. Parents should have the option of talking with a chaplain. Nurses should determine if the parent’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and sleep, are addressed. All families in the PICU should have interactions with social worker and or case management.
A comprehensive evaluation of ways to alleviate and educate nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers on mechanisms related to relieving stress. We will define what stress is and how is can affect healing, coping and the ability to educate families in their time of need. “Nowadays, health care has been transformed to a patient-centered model, so that the patient plays a more active role in care (Michael D. Aldridge, 2005)”. In pediatric nursing, family-centered care is also a basic element, which emphasizes on dynamic relationship between the family members and treatment and care providing team, as well as involving the family in …show more content…
“Parents should receive orientation to the sights and sounds of the unit, such as alarms, monitors, and procedures that parents may observe.” Parents should also be given the units telephone number and encouraged to call whenever necessary.
Enhancing Parental Role Alteration of parental role is a common stressor. Parents should have the option of staying with the child at all times, especially during procedures, tests, and resuscitations. Essentially, the parents should have unrestricted access to the child. They should also be encouraged to participate in the child’s care and provide comfort measures.
Developing Trust Developing trust is very important. Simple things, such as knowing the names and roles of members of the healthcare team, are important to parents. Parents trust the staff more when the parents had access to their children during invasive procedures, because such access diminished parental fears, concerns, and regrets about unknown events.
Providing Support Providing support is an essential intervention. Parents should have the option of talking with a chaplain. Nurses should determine if the parent’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and sleep, are addressed. All families in the PICU should have interactions with social worker and or case management.