Nurses' knowledge of growth and development principles in meeting psychosocial needs of hospitalized children

This study was conducted to assess nurses' knowledge of growth and developmental principles in providing psychosocial care to hospitalized children. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used, and a mailed questionnaire was circulated to 238 pediatric nurses. The results of the study indicate areas for improvement in the application of growth and developmental principles by pediatric nurses and suggest ways to enhance nurses' achievement in this important area of pediatric nursing practice. The findings provide direction to professionals in nursing education, clinical practice, and continuing education departments to better assist nursing personnel to use growth and developmental principles more appropriately to meet the needs of hospitalized children and their families.