Support needs of children's nurses involved in child protection cases

This qualitative study explored the experiences of nurses working in a hospital paediatric department, who had direct involvement in child protection cases, to discover their support needs and suggest developments in training and support.

The study was inspired by an awareness of increasing anxiety amongst nurses involved in child protection cases.

A phenomenological approach was used with fifteen nurses during semi-structured interviews, which were taped, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Involvement in child protection has a lasting impact; nurses need procedural information from a knowledgeable supporter during a case; and, they need individualized support. The personal qualities of the Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children were crucial.

Involvement in child protection cases has lasting effects for individuals. The emotions generated can lead to interagency and inter-professional communication difficulties and affect the future management of child protection by individuals. Seeking support can be hampered by individuals' fear of ridicule or of making a mistake.

This study has implications for the training of children's nurses in child protection procedures, and the provision of appropriate effective support for individuals. The long-term effects of involvement are previously unreported by nurses.