THE MANY FACES OF CARING IN NURSING

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Child Psychology
• Art Therapy

Background:

• Effective communication with children is crucial in nursing, especially when they cannot verbalize their needs or pain.
• Pediatric nurses face challenges in assessing patients who communicate nonverbally through gestures like shoulder shrugs or vague descriptions of discomfort.

Observation:

• Art therapy, specifically mask-making, serves as a valuable tool for children to express emotions and experiences nonverbally.
• The author, a nurse, created a mask sculpture to explore personal values, compassion, and the multifaceted nature of pediatric nursing.

Findings:

• The process of creating a mask sculpture allowed the nurse to nonverbally communicate their own feelings and compassion, mirroring the patients' use of art.
• The mask-making experience revealed diverse 'faces' of nursing, highlighting the complexity and emotional depth involved in the profession.

Implications:

• Art therapy offers a unique pathway for pediatric nurses to connect with and understand patients who struggle with verbal expression.
• This creative approach can enhance the nurse-patient relationship and improve the quality of care by addressing emotional and psychological needs.
• Exploring nonverbal communication methods like art therapy is vital for advancing pediatric nursing practice and patient advocacy.