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Citation |
Rowse V. J. Nurs. Manag. 2009; 17(6): 659-666. |
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Affiliation |
Community Children's Matron, Mailpoint 106, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Romsey Road, Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust, Winchester, Hampshire S022 5DG, UK. vicki.rowse@wehct.nhs.uk |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
19694910 |
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Abstract |
AIM: This qualitative study explored the experiences of nurses working in a hospital paediatric department, who had direct involvement in child protection cases, to discover their support needs and suggest developments in training and support. BACKGROUND: The study was inspired by an awareness of increasing anxiety amongst nurses involved in child protection cases. METHOD: A phenomenological approach was used with fifteen nurses during semi-structured interviews, which were taped, transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Involvement in child protection has a lasting impact; nurses need procedural information from a knowledgeable supporter during a case; and, they need individualized support. The personal qualities of the Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children were crucial. CONCLUSIONS: Involvement in child protection cases has lasting effects for individuals. The emotions generated can lead to interagency and inter-professional communication difficulties and affect the future management of child protection by individuals. Seeking support can be hampered by individuals' fear of ridicule or of making a mistake. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study has implications for the training of children's nurses in child protection procedures, and the provision of appropriate effective support for individuals. The long-term effects of involvement are previously unreported by nurses. Language: en |