Course Overview
Pediatric Nursing focuses on the unique physical, developmental, and psychosocial needs of children from infancy through adolescence. Students learn normal growth and development milestones, immunization schedules, common childhood illnesses and injuries, and family-centered care principles. The course covers pediatric assessment, medication dosing for children, pain management in pediatric patients, and recognition of child abuse and neglect. Students develop skills in communication with children at different developmental stages and in supporting families through illness and hospitalization. Evidence-based nursing care emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention across the pediatric age groups.
Learning Objectives
- Understand growth and development milestones across pediatric age groups and developmental stages
- Assess and care for children with acute and chronic illnesses appropriate to their age
- Calculate accurate pediatric medication doses and recognize dangerous errors
- Communicate effectively with children at different developmental levels
- Identify signs of child abuse and neglect and fulfill reporting responsibilities
- Support families through illness and hospitalization using family-centered approaches
Lecture Topics
- Week 1: Growth and Development - Infancy and Toddlerhood
- Week 1: Growth and Development - Preschool and School Age
- Week 2: Adolescent Development and Health Issues
- Week 2: Pediatric Health Assessments and Vital Signs
- Week 3: Immunization Schedules and Administration in Children
- Week 3: Common Childhood Illnesses - Viral and Bacterial Infections
- Week 4: Acute Respiratory Infections and Asthma Management
- Week 5: GI Disorders - Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Dehydration in Children
- Week 5: Pediatric Medication Calculation and Safety
- Week 6: Pain Assessment and Management in Pediatric Patients
- Week 7: Child Abuse and Neglect - Recognition and Reporting
- Week 8: Family-Centered Care and Supporting Parents During Hospitalization
Course Quiz
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Flashcards
Resources
Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children (Hockenberry & Wilson)
Comprehensive pediatric nursing textbook covering development, assessment, illnesses, and family-centered care.
RequiredCDC Immunization Schedule and Catch-up Guidelines
Official immunization recommendations with age-based schedules and catch-up protocols.
RequiredPediatric Medication Dosing Calculator and Safety Checklist
Interactive tool for calculating weight-based doses with built-in safety limits and verification checks.
FreeChild Development Video Library - Milestones by Age
Visual demonstrations of typical development behaviors and milestones from newborn through adolescence.
Free