What changes have you seen in terms of children's chronic health issues since you became a pediatric nurse?

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Medicine is an ever-evolving industry. Staying on top of recent studies, breakthroughs, and technological advances is crucial for a nurse to do her job effectively. Also, being able to identify changes that are occuring within the population of patients, a nurse cares for, helps to determine if there is something that needs to be reported and/or followed.

"One of the disease processes that we care for specifically is cystic fibrosis. When I first began my career as a pediatric nurse, we were taking care of adults in their 20s and 30s with CF. Now that many newborns are routinely screened, kids are getting diagnosed at a very early age, and they're getting much better gastric and pulmonary care."

"Throughout the hospital we're seeing an increase in the number of obese children. This has a lot to do with the way household dynamics have changed. Many kids spend a lot of time at home alone and prepare microwave meals or parents pick up fast food on the way home from work. While this is a temporary convenience, it has long term consequences. Obesity leads to may other health issues such as hypertension and diabetes. We have a lot of very sick children who often come to us repeatedly.. Although our chronically ill kids now have longer life expectancies, I often wonder if their quality of life has improved."

Anonymous Answer

"Obesity has been a huge problem in the child population nowadays. Children are developing diabetes due to being obese at such a young age. One way I would try to help make a change is to provide education to young kids at schools and provide them with information to educate their parents (such as specific snacks they should and shouldn't eat) or suggesting healthier versions."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a serious issue, indeed. These are strong recommendations when it comes to alleviating this epidemic.

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Anonymous Answer

"Childhood obesity is an ever-growing problem. Nowadays children aren't spending enough time outdoors with the popularity of gaming devices, ipads, and phones meaning there is less physical activity. Additionally, family dynamics have changed and both parents can now be in the workforce meaning there is little time and energy left for healthier meal preparation. This means there can be high-calorie-dense quick meals prepared for convenience. Childhood obesity has long-term health consequences on children and has been linked to diabetes and hypertension in younger age groups. One way to change this is to educate parents and children about the benefit of healthier food and snack choices and ways to incorporate physical activity into family time."