title: The integration of a specialized eating disorders nurse on a general inpatient pediatric unit.
abstract: Eating disorders (EDs) affect approximately 5% of Canadian adolescents. Patients experiencing acute medical complications of their illness are often treated on a general pediatric ward with mixed populations. Twenty-one health care providers shared their experiences caring for youth with EDs and provided feedback regarding the integration of a specialized ED nurse (ED-RN). Findings suggest that an RN and ED-RN model produces consistent care for ED patients and satisfying therapeutic relationships for nurses. ED-RNs caring for youth with EDs need support from their peers, whereas other nurses need training regarding this population. Suggestions for the integration of specialized RN roles are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. carternm@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Sheri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Findlay
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: Sherry Van
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Blyderveen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009864:Ontario