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

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the perceptions,experiences, and professional needs of pediatricnurses involved in caring for burn-injured children.By examining their emotional responses, clinicalchallenges, and training gaps, this research aims toprovide insights that can inform future improvementsin pediatric burn care practices, enhance nurse wellbeing,and contribute to the development of morecomprehensive, patient- and family-centered caremodels in clinical settings.Material and MethodThis study employed a qualitative descriptive designto explore the perceptions and experiences of 21pediatric nurses working in various hospitals in twocities in Turkey. Participants were selected throughpurposive sampling, ensuring they had at leastfive years of experience in pediatric nursing. Semistructuredtelephone interviews were conducted, andall interviews were audio-recorded and transcribedverbatim. A thematic analysis approach was appliedto identify key themes, which were cross-validated bytwo independent researchers to ensure reliability.ResultsThree major themes and eight subthemes emergedfrom the data: (1) Emotional and Psychological Impact(including emotional distress and coping mechanisms),(2) Clinical Challenges in Burn Care (including painmanagement, wound care, infection control, andcommunication with families), and (3) Professionaland Training Needs (including lack of specializedtraining and the need for psychological support fornurses). Nurses reported high levels of stress andburnout due to the severity of injuries and emotionalburden, inadequate pain management strategies, anddifficulties in communicating with distressed families.Additionally, participants emphasized the urgent needfor specialized burn care training and mental healthsupport for healthcare providers.ConclusionThis study highlights the emotional, clinical, andprofessional challenges that pediatric nurses facein burn care. Findings underscore the need forcomprehensive training programs, advanced painmanagement strategies, and psychological supportservices to enhance nurse well-being and improvepatient care. Addressing these challenges throughpolicy and education reforms will help create a moreeffective and supportive environment for both nursesand pediatric burn patients.