The Inextricable Link in Caring for Families of Critically Burned Children

Abstract

Advances in burn care have made recovery possible for children with burns on up to 99% of their body surface, which has prompted investigation of the psychosocial well-being of survivors. Although therapies have been suggested, no researchers have acknowledged or recognized nurses' potential contributions to children's and families' recovery. In this article, the author examines the lived experiences of 16 pediatric nurses on a burn intensive care unit. The purpose of the study was to articulate practices that helped critically burned children to heal holistically. Data showed that while helping burned children to heal holistically, the nurses simultaneously supported families to heal holistically. Nurses were observed laughing, talking, and crying with families, as well as role-modeling ways of being with and caring for the children. These practices illustrated the nurses' understanding that care of the children was inextricably linked to care of the families.