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If you’re considering a career as a pediatric nurse, you’ll need to learn to help kids feel comfortable receiving medical care. It’s quite common for kids to be scared of needles, but they often need to get vaccines and other shots. Here are some tips to help you master this challenge.

3 Tips for Pediatric Nurses Giving Shots to Kids

1. Offer Distractions

Focusing on the pain of an injection is one of the most difficult parts for kids. Get the child to pay attention to something else, such as a breathing exercise, to minimize their fear and anxiety while giving the injection. Additionally, help them feel more comfortable and relaxed by using humor. For example, tell a joke or make a funny face.

2. Encourage Physical Contact From Parents

pediatric nurseIf a child is squirming before an injection, ask the parents to give them physical contact. They may be able to hold or hug their child during the process so you can get the injection out of the way while they’re being comforted. Many times, simply having a parent hold their child’s hand will be enough to calm them down.

3. Validate Their Experience

Avoid invalidating a child’s feelings by telling them they have nothing to worry about or won’t feel pain. Instead, help them feel strong and confident by explaining to them how brave they’re being or giving them a sticker after the injection. This will help them feel more comfortable the next time they come in, as they’ll remember how confident they felt after the experience was over.

 

If you’re interested in becoming a pediatric nurse or finding work as one, contact J&D Ultracare. Based in Suffern, NY, this home health care agency serves families throughout Monroe, White Plains, Orange County, and Westchester County. They will help you enjoy a rewarding career of caring for children and offer weekly pay, health benefits, and educational opportunities. View their current job openings online, or call (845) 357-4500 to speak with a member of their team about working as a pediatric nurse.

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