Decision-making of pediatric nurses in nonemergency patient care situations

This study explored the extent to which pediatric nurses value patient education. Ninety-two registered nurses completed and returned the Pediatric Nursing Intervention Priorities Survey (PNIPS). The PNIPS, a tool developed by the investigators, was intended to differentiate four major nursing functions: patient teaching, liaison activity, physical care, and supportive-emotional care. As a result of the study, no significant difference was found between the value nurses placed on patient teaching in relation to the other activities. A significant difference was found, however, between supportive-emotional care and the other options. The influence of a variety of demographic valuables on decision-making was also explored. Implications are drawn for nursing education and nursing practice.