Support needs of children's nurses involved in child protection cases.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Rowse
Vicki
V
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
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D002651:Child Advocacy; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D011361:Professional Competence; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012449:Safety; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires