Pediatric Burn Management: A Qualitative Study on Nursing Perspectives and Professional Needs

Abstract

Objective This study aims to explore the perceptions, experiences, and professional needs of pediatric nurses involved in caring for burn-injured children. By examining their emotional responses, clinical challenges, and training gaps, this research aims to provide insights that can inform future improvements in pediatric burn care practices, enhance nurse wellbeing, and contribute to the development of more comprehensive, patient- and family-centered care models in clinical settings. Material and Method This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to explore the perceptions and experiences of 21 pediatric nurses working in various hospitals in two cities in Turkey. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring they had at least five years of experience in pediatric nursing. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted, and all interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis approach was applied to identify key themes, which were cross-validated by two independent researchers to ensure reliability. Results Three major themes and eight subthemes emerged from the data: (1) Emotional and Psychological Impact (including emotional distress and coping mechanisms), (2) Clinical Challenges in Burn Care (including pain management, wound care, infection control, and communication with families), and (3) Professional and Training Needs (including lack of specialized training and the need for psychological support for nurses). Nurses reported high levels of stress and burnout due to the severity of injuries and emotional burden, inadequate pain management strategies, and difficulties in communicating with distressed families. Additionally, participants emphasized the urgent need for specialized burn care training and mental health support for healthcare providers. Conclusion This study highlights the emotional, clinical, and professional challenges that pediatric nurses face in burn care. Findings underscore the need for comprehensive training programs, advanced pain management strategies, and psychological support services to enhance nurse well-being and improve patient care. Addressing these challenges through policy and education reforms will help create a more effective and supportive environment for both nurses and pediatric burn patients.

Keywords

• Emotional impact
• Nursing perspectives
• Pain management
• Pediatric burn care
• Pediatric surgery
• Qualitative study

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