Preserving dignity in the young hospitalized child.
OBJECTIVE
Bodily intrusion and exposure are common experiences for hospitalized children. Placing children in such compromising situations can have a significant impact on their self-perception.


OBJECTIVE
To recognize pediatric patients' inherent powerlessness in the hospital setting and suggest strategies to overcome it.


METHODS
Published literature and author's clinical experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses have a key role in ensuring that the psychosocial issues of privacy, modesty, and self-esteem are recognized, respected, and incorporated appropriately into their clinical practice when caring for hospitalized children.
Popovich
Deborah M
DM
University of Florida, College of Nursing, Gainesville, FL, USA. popovdm@nursing.ufl.edu
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology; D010358:Patient Participation; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D018907:Privacy; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012649:Self Concept; D012752:Shame