Abstract
When faced with serious illness and the possibility of a child’s death, a family undergoes many uncertainties and traumatic experiences. The expected normal order of life is significantly disrupted and a diagnosis of a life-threatening or life-limiting illness can greatly alter family functioning and overall well-being. The importance of addressing a child and their family members’ physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs has been well documented in pediatric palliative care research, yet access to supportive care is inconsistent and unclear. This chapter will explore the family experiences when a child is diagnosed with and in treatment for a life-threatening or life-limiting illness, the main tenets of pediatric hospice palliative care, and the nursing practice in Canadian pediatric hospice palliative care. The chapter will conclude with a unique commentary on considerations related to Canadian Indigenous perspectives and implications for practice, education, and research. This chapter will help registered nurses and nursing students to better understand pediatric hospice palliative care, related nursing care, and the need for education and research with the aim of enhancing care for infants, children, and families impacted by life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses.
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