title: Paediatric nursing and children's autonomy.
abstract: The topic of children's rights is a wide-ranging and complex subject, and in recognition of this fact this paper specifically addresses the concept of the right of children to make decisions about their own health-care. This paper explores the many factors which may influence a child's right to autonomy, including family relationships and the broader external influences exerted by health-care workers. The discussion highlights the dilemmas which may be faced by nurses when their values and beliefs, or hierarchical position within the health-care structure, inhibit their ability to promote children's autonomy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lowes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D010371:Pediatric Nursing