Pediatric nursing

Nurses observe vital signs and develop communication skills with children and family members, as well as with other medical personnel.

Awareness of the concerns of children and parents, physical presence at times of stress, and helping children and family members cope are common functions of direct nursing care[2] Neonatal nurses specialize in working with the youngest patients(infants).

Neonatal nursing focuses on providing care and support for newborn babies delivered prematurely or who are suffering from health problems such as birth defects, infections, or heart deformities.

[4] These newborns require a special type of care, due to their health issues, such as:[5] Neonatal nurses employ medical techniques, including the use of incubators.

[7][8] Pediatric nurses are expected to provide a quick response to stressful circumstances in life-threatening situations.

Strengthening the pediatric nursing workforce has been recommended as a primary strategy to reduce under-five mortality in African nations.

Pediatric nurses offer primary care services such as diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses and conducting developmental screenings.

[citation needed] Pediatric nurses are responsible for helping patients adapt to a hospital setting and prepare them for medical treatments and procedures.

Nurses also coach parents to observe and wait for important signs and responses to therapies, to increase the child's comfort, and even to provide ongoing care.