Exploring the experiences of pediatric nurses caring for children and youth with a mental illness in general pediatric hospital units in New Brunswick (NB)

Abstract

The rate of mental illness among children and youth has increased in recent years (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2022), emphasizing the need for specialized care. In hospitals without pediatric psychiatric units, these patients are often placed in general pediatric units, where nurses may feel unprepared, which can affect care outcomes. Limited research exists on nurses’ experiences in these settings. This qualitative descriptive study explores how pediatric nurses in New Brunswick (NB) experience caring for children and youth with mental illness in general hospital units. Seven registered nurses from two NB regions were interviewed using semi-structured questions. A thematic analysis revealed six themes reflecting facilitators and barriers to care. Facilitators included provider collaboration and support from designated mental health nurses, while barriers involved safety risks, lack of time, limited training, and resource gaps. This article-based thesis includes an introduction, research article, and a conclusion with implications and future directions.