A Study to Assess the Experiences and Challenges Faced by Pediatric Nurses While Providing Care to Critically Ill Children in Picu, Mkcg Mch, Berhampur, Odisha

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses play a critical role in delivering complex, high-stakes care to critically ill children. Their work environment is often emotionally and physically demanding, which can impact both professional performance and personal well-being. This study aims to explore the lived experiences and key challenges encountered by nurses working in PICUs, with a focus on emotional, physical, and professional dimensions. A qualitative, phenomenological descriptive research design was carried out to explore experience and challenges faced by PICU nurses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 registered nurses working in PICU,MKCG, MCH, Berhampur. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights by utilizing purposive sampling techniques from 20 October 2024 to 6 November 2024. NVIVO-14 Free trial version was used for the analysis. The study findings revealed that 100% of participants were females, 8 (80%) were in the age group of 26-30 years, 2(20%) were in the age group above 30 years, 5 (50%) had diploma in nursing GNM, 3 (30%) had graduated B.SC. nursing, 2(20%), had masters in nursing M.SC. nursing. The study identified eight major themes-Emotional turbulence, Complexity and uncertainty, Professional growth, Family-Centered care, Environmental and physical challenges. Technological challenges, Psychological challenges, Professional challenges comprising 26 subthemes that encapsulate the complex emotional and logistical challenges faced by the PICU nurses. These insights highlight the need for more extensive research to better understand and generalize the experience and challenges faced by PICU nurses.