Thank You for Article on Venous Access in Children
Article Outline
Dear Editor:
Once again, Journal of Emergency Nursing has provided readers with an article filled with methods of improved nursing practice, encompassing the idea of holistic care. The October 2009 article “Difficult Venous Access in Children: Taking Control”1 identified issues that many nurses have in obtaining venous access in children.
As a nurse with 1 year of experience in the emergency department, I found this information to be very useful in my practice. I work in a level I trauma center with a separation of pediatric and adult care, where I am a pediatric core nurse. This article not only assisted with issues that many nurses face but also provided helpful information for new graduates who are beginning to train in their profession of emergency nursing.
The algorithm provided is not only easy to read and understand but also identifies difficult risk factors with intravenous access in children. I have seen how care is improved by distinguishing these risks at triage. As listed in the algorithm, nurses are given a chance to manage care effectively and in a timely manner. Now that I am aware that the central focus frequently is not on the anxiety of the child and parents, I am noticing how this creates hindrances to effective intravenous access. The children and staff are affected, and I have recognized how multiple intravenous insertions increase anxiety and pain for the child. Experience and education are of primary importance in efforts to decrease the negative effects for both the patients and the providers of care.
I appreciate the clearly identified risk factors and strategies for improvement noted in the article. New graduates and those new to pediatrics will benefit in their nursing practice from the considerations and alternatives provided. Direct and concise approaches are given for improved quality of care in children, and good communication skills are a must. I believe the algorithm will be a great resource for me as I pursue knowledge and experience in pediatrics. I commend the authors for delivering an article that provides a reference for nurses to enhance our continued care of children.
Reference
Submit all Letters to the Editor online at http://ees.elsevier.com/jen/
PII: S0099-1767(09)00544-3
doi:10.1016/j.jen.2009.11.018
© 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Refers to article:
- Difficult Venous Access in Children: Taking Control , 23 March 2009
