Journal of pediatric nursing
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Bicycle riding is a popular recreational activity among children, yet it is not without potential severe consequences such as traumatic brain injury and death. Despite available information attesting to the benefits of the use of bicycle safety helmets, many children still do not wear them. ⋯ The purposes of this article are to (1) explore current research and discuss these promoting and obstructing factors to child bicycle helmet use and to (2) provide recommendations for improving the compliance of bicycle helmet use among children. Results of the literature review have significant implications for improving the safety of children.
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As part of a larger study that examined pain experience, pain management, and pain outcomes among children with sickle cell disease, functional status (sleep, food intake, and activity levels) was examined during hospitalization for acute painful episodes. Children were asked to rate the amount of pain they experienced as well as the amount of time they slept, the amount of food they ate, and the amount of activity they had everyday. Children reported high levels of pain, which showed only a small decrease throughout hospitalization, and had disrupted sleep and wake patterns, decreased food intake, and decreased activity levels. Nurses need to routinely monitor functional status during acute painful episodes so that strategies to promote adequate sleep, food intake, and activity may be incorporated to minimize long-term negative outcomes in children with sickle cell disease.
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The nurse recruitment program at our private children's hospital provides an opportunity for family members of employees who are interested in becoming a nurse to learn more about pediatric nursing. This article describes our 5-hour recruitment program that includes didactic information, a hospital tour, and clinical experience through "nurse shadowing." Participants, presenters, and nurse preceptors have favorably evaluated this program. Programs like this can be used by other institutions to encourage and maintain interest in nursing and the health care professions.
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Injury is the leading cause of death and disability for preschoolers in the United States. Young children suffer disproportionate morbidity and mortality when injured. ⋯ This article includes a discussion of the factors that contribute to preschool unintentional injury occurrence and is based on a combination of epidemiology theory and the health belief model. Evidence-based suggestions for modification of nursing practice are provided.
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Review
Child-to-child unintentional injury and death from firearms in the United States: what can be done?
Children are unintentionally killing and injuring other children at an alarming rate in the United States owing to the accessibility of firearms. Firearms are found in 33-40% of American households with children. Many of those firearms are stored in an unsafe manner, loaded and unlocked, leaving children vulnerable to injury. Health care professionals dedicated to the well-being of the pediatric population must take an active role in protecting our nation's children from unnecessary injury and death owing to the unsafe storage of firearms.