ABSTRACT 940

Abstract

Background and aims: Advances in technology, science and treatment have precipitated significant changes to the environment where children who suffer from life threatening illnesses and injuries receive care. Despite these changes, the paediatric critical care nurse’s role of observation has remained constant. Aims: Nurses frequently denigrate the impact their expertise has on the management of critical illness and patient recovery. Evidence has shown that nursing surveillance and intervention improve patient well-being, prevent medical error and reduce length of stay. Methods: This presentation will review current literature describing the ability of the expert nurse clinician to positively impact patient outcomes through surveillance, knowledge informed judgement and intervention in the critically ill patient. Discussion will include video reflections of key stakeholders from a major Canadian paediatric hospital including patients and families. They describe how nursing expertise impacts patient care. Results: The research, interdisciplinary team, patient and families have indicated the significance of the expert nurse clinician at the patient’s bedside. The role of nursing expertise is paramount in impacting positive patient outcomes. Conclusions: The critical care paediatric patient and the environment can be extremely complicated and complex. Nurses are crucial contributors in the care of the critically ill child.