Children born prematurely: risk of parental chronic sorrow
Susan Ann Vitale1, Carina Falco2
1Nursing, Molloy College, Rockville Centre, NY.
Insights
This study explores chronic sorrow in families with premature infants. Nurses should assess for and help manage these feelings to support family well-being.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Theory
- Family Care
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Chronic sorrow impacts families facing ongoing disparities.
- Premature infants with medical conditions present a common scenario.
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric nurses encounter these families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply the middle-range nursing theory of chronic sorrow.
- To guide nurses in assessing and managing family responses.
- To support families experiencing chronic sorrow.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a case scenario to illustrate chronic sorrow.
- Assessing families for symptoms of fear, helplessness, and sadness.
- Identifying signs of chronic sorrow.
Main Results:
- Chronic sorrow is a significant issue for families of premature infants.
- Nurses play a crucial role in identifying and addressing chronic sorrow.
- Early assessment and intervention are key.
Conclusions:
- The middle-range nursing theory of chronic sorrow provides a framework for care.
- Nurses must assess for and address chronic sorrow in families.
- Assisting families in developing coping strategies is essential for alleviating sorrow.
Abstract:
The middle range nursing theory of chronic sorrow offers guidance in the care of families dealing with an ongoing disparity. One such example is the reality of having an infant born prematurely with serious medical conditions. Nurses working in a neonatal intensive care unit, and other pediatric settings need to assess families for symptoms of fear, helplessness or sadness and signs of chronic sorrow. A case scenario provides an example of chronic sorrow. Nurses need to assist families in developing healthy coping strategies so as to alleviate any effects of chronic sorrow that they may experience.
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