Annex A > Chapter 3 - Developments in the UK, in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Heart Abnormalities in Children, 1984-1995 > Post-operative care > The cardiac nurse

The cardiac nurse

31 The role of the cardiac nurse deserves special mention. Nursing is obviously an activity involved in all aspects of care. Apart from routine observations and administration of various treatments, the nurse has an important role in providing appropriate explanations to the child, where possible, and to the family, and in preparing them for the anticipated hospital admission, investigation or operation, and for their expectations on the ICU. In particular, the nurse needs to make an interpretation of observations which is appropriate for the age of the child and to take appropriate action in response to changes in observations. There needs to be an appreciation of when the child is in pain and how that should be managed. Communication with parents and giving them care, support and counselling are essential. In those sad cases when a child dies, the nurse is usually the first professional to be involved in supporting the parents in their bereavement.

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