Role of Nurses in Child Care - Essay Example

Part A: Youth's Mental Health - Nation's Abundant Wealth! Save your Child, Save your Nation! Protect your child before it is too late ! (Contact any nearby center for immediate help ) USA 1) Center for Mental Health Services Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 17C-20 Rockville, MD 20857 Email: ken@mentalhealth.org Web site: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/KEN95-0011/default.asp 2) U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN TTY: 1-800-437-0833 Email: customerservice@inet.ed.gov Web site: http://www.ed.gov 3) U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530-0001 Email: AskDOJ@usdoj.gov Web site: http://www.usdoj.gov 4) Federal Emergency Management Agency (Information for children and adolescents) P.O. Box 2012 Jessup, MD 20794-2012 Phone: 1-800-480-2520 Web site: http://www.fema.gov/kids 6) Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress 4301 Jones Bridge Road Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Web site: http://www.centerforthestudyoftraumaticstress.org/factsheets.shtml 7) SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration) (United States of Health and Human Services ) P.O. Box 42557 , Washington, DC 20015 Ph : 1-800-789-2647 Fax : 240-221-4295 Website : www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov UK Every Child Matters ( Cross - Government working with local partners , UK) Depaartment forChildren, Schools and Families, ( DCSF) Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. Telephone: 0870 000 2288 / 0870 001 2345 Fax: 01928 794248. Textphone/minicom: 01928 794274. Email : info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk AUSTRALIA CYMHS (Child and Youth Mental Health Services) T he Institute for Child and Youth Mental Health Ground level , Cnr Rogers and Water Streets, Spring Hill 4000 PO Box 1507, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006 Ph : 61 07 3835 1444 Fax : 61 07 3839 8191 Website : www.health.qld.gov.au INDIA NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) Medical Superintendent (I/C MS) NIMHANS Hosur Road Bangalore - 560029, India Telephone: 91-080-26995200, 26995255 Email : ms@nimhans.kar.nic.in Website : www.nimhans.kar.nic.in Part B and Case Study: Childrens Nursing Children's Nursing refers to nurturing children from the stage of infancy, till the stage of adolescence. Along with case study, this topic discusses emotional problems faced by children and role of parents, family, nurses, schools, society and government in nurturing and helping them to become good citizens. The captioned subject ' Children's Nursing ' throws light on the poor emotional state of mind of children - a product of present day nuclear family system, wherein the working couple has no time to give personal attention to the child's needs and usually entrusts the same to a care taker. In the event of separation / divorce, the child has to adjust to the new circumstances without much choice. In all these situations, the child is the worst affected person whose emotional needs are least cared for by parents and the surrounding people. As a result, it becomes a victim of depression, insecurity, hatred, addiction and no wonder; it becomes a 'threat' to the society in the long run. The significant issues involved in the subject are : 1. Children's poor mental health and the resultant insecurity , hatred ,emotional disorders, and suicidal tendencies 2. Role of Parents , Family, Nurses , School and Government 's role in developing child's mental health 1. Children's poor mental health : A child's poor mental health can be recognized by symptoms like excessive anger, fear, sadness , depression and anxiety. Sudden changes in the child's behavior, exercising too much , hurting (Charlotte's act of hurting herself), destroying things. Some of the mental disorders commonly seen in children are depression, ADHD, and conduct disorder. Depression As many as one in ten children between ages six and twelve experience persistent feelings of sadness - the hallmark of depression. Since children may not be able to express or understand many of the core symptoms that would indicate depression in adults, parents should be aware of some key behaviors-in addition to changes in eating or sleeping patterns-that may signal depression in children: - A sudden drop in school performance - Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed - Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained irritability, or crying - Thoughts of death or suicide - Expressions of fear or anxiety - Aggression, refusal to cooperate, antisocial behavior - Use of alcohol or other drugs - Constant complaints of aching arms, legs, or stomach with no apparent cause Treatment is essential for children struggling with depression so that they can be free to develop necessary academic and social skills. Treatment involves psychotherapy either alone or in combination with medication. During psychotherapy, children learn to express their feelings and to develop ways of coping with their illness. Some children also respond to antidepressant medications, but use of these medications must be closely monitored. Psychiatric medication should not be the only form of treatment, but should be part of a comprehensive program. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) The main features of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and an inability to sustain attention or concentration. These symptoms occur at levels that cause significant distress and impairment and are far more severe than typically found in children of similar ages and developmental levels. More common in boys than in girls, this disorder often develops before age seven, but is usually diagnosed between ages eight and 10. Children with ADHD: - Have difficulty finishing any activity that requires concentration - Don't seem to listen to anything said to them - Are excessively active-running or climbing at inappropriate times, squirming in or jumping out of their seats, are very easily distracted - Talk incessantly, often blurting out responses before questions are finished - Have serious difficulty waiting their turn in games or groups - May have specific learning disabilities Treatment can include the use of medications, psychotherapy and special educational programs to help a child keep up academically. Between 70 and 80 percent of children with ADHD respond to medications, which allow them a chance to improve their attention span, perform tasks better, and control impulsive behavior. Psychotherapy enables children to cope with their disorder and the reaction of others to it. An essential component of psychotherapy involves the work of the child psychiatrist with both the child and the parents to develop techniques for behavior management. Conduct Disorder Children with conduct disorder exhibit behavior that shows a persistent disregard for the norms and rules of society. Conduct disorder is one of the most frequently seen mental disorders in adolescents. Because the symptoms are closely tied to socially unacceptable or violent behavior, many people confuse this illness with either juvenile delinquency or the turmoil of the teen years. However, young people with conduct disorder often have underlying problems that have been missed or ignored, such as attention deficit disorder, depression, epilepsy or a history of head and facial injuries. Children who have demonstrated at least three of the following behaviors over six months should be evaluated for possible conduct disorder: - Stealing - Constantly lying - Deliberately setting fires - Skipping school - Breaking into homes, offices, or cars - Deliberately destroying others' property - Displaying physical cruelty to animals or humans - Forcing others into sexual activity - Often starting fights - Using weapons in fights Appropriate treatment for conduct disorder is essential. Aimed at helping young people realize and understand the effect their behavior has on others, treatment includes behavior therapy and psychotherapy, in either individual or group sessions. For youngsters who have depression or ADHD, in addition to conduct disorder, use of medications as well as psychotherapy can lessen the symptoms of conduct disorder. 2. Parents, Family, School and Government's role in improving child's mental health : A child is a product of circumstances. If not nurtured properly, the child will be a victim of depression, insecurity, addiction, hatred and develops suicidal tendencies. The captioned case explains the emotional state of mind of Charlotte who is finding solace in Eliza's friendship. Hapless Eliza had no other alternative but to inform her School Counsel about Charlotte's suicidal attempts which in turn spoils their friendship. The above is a very delicate issue to be resolved through the intervention of various people and agencies. This is not the case of Charlotte or Eliza alone. Thousands of Children in the world suffer from emotional disorder , and mental health problems . A recent survey shows that 15 % of the children in the US suffer from depression, emotional disorders and suicidal state of mind. A recent killing of 33 people in the Virginia university campus by a tech student is a typical example of growing unrest, insecurity and poor mental health status among children and young people. Role of Parents and Family : Parents and Family plays a pivotal role in child's mental health development. At home, the atmosphere must be conducive to the child's psychological and intellectual growth. Crucial early years of childhood can be protected through, Identifying and addressing their own feelings Let children know that you love them, will take care of them. Allow natural feelings, emotions like grief, happiness be experienced by Children Any bed wetting, thumb sucking habits of children should be specifically addressed If children have trouble sleeping, give them extra attention Allow children to make decision themselves wherever possible Lastly, a family which eats together stays together. Hence, bed time stories, eating dinner together, watching TV together develops family bond. Role of Schools and Government Agencies : School should be a place for learning academic basics as well as to make decisions and cope with problems. School should give an opportunity to make new friends . Each child should be monitored with due care and Counselors should be in place in case of crisis. Some children experience difficulties in school, ranging from problems with concentration, learning, language, and perception to problems with behavior and/or making and keeping friends. These difficulties may be due to one or more of the following: physical disorders, psychiatric disorders, emotional problems, behavioral problems, and learning disorders (or disabilities). These children with special needs are usually entitled to receive special services or accommodations through the public schools. Federal law mandates that every child will receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. It also entitles children with special needs to receive extra services. The NSW Government has adopted Principles for child protection intervention to guide agency decisions about child protection and provide a framework for individual agency polices, practice and procedures. These principles underpin the work done by NSW Health; The safety, welfare and well-being of the child or young person are paramount Children and young people must be given the opportunity to participate at a level appropriate to their age and development in decisions which significantly impact on their lives Child protection decisions must take account of the culture, disability, language, religion and sexuality of the child or young person, family and care takers Families must be given an opportunity to participate in decisions which affect the safety, welfare and well-being of a child or young person In acting to protect a child or young person, practitioners or agencies should maintain the child's or young person's relationships and sense of identity and should intervene only as far as is required to secure their safety, welfare and well-being Children and young people who are unable to live with their families will be provided with an environment which meets their care, support, education and health needs Government agencies will work in partnership with each other, with non-government organizations and with the child or young person and their family to secure and sustain their safety, welfare and well-being Government and non-government agencies will follow policies and practices that ensure staff are screened for employment and are qualified, The NSW Government has adopted Principles for child protection intervention to guide agency decisions about child protection and provide training and supervision. Medical Care : If parents think that their child needs help, they can contact Local medical society, local psychiatric society Local mental health association County mental health department Local hospitals or medical centers with psychiatric services Department of Psychiatry in nearby medical school National Advocacy Organizations (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, National Mental Health Association) National professional organizations (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association) Role of Nurses in Child Care : In the absence of time and attention, parents can appoint Nurses to look after their children. Nurses acts as Care takers Advisor and Protector to the child and family Supports Child's Physiological and Mental health Fulfills the emotional needs of child in the absence of Parents and Family To conclude, every child is an asset to the Nation . Good mental Health in Children can be developed through , Unconditional love and emotional availability from family Self-confidence and high self-esteem The opportunity to play with other children Encouraging teachers and supportive caretakers Involving Communities Safe and secure surroundings Appropriate guidance and discipline National Action Agenda Clinical help ====== 0===== References: http://www.bma.org.uk http://www.cinahl.com http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk http://www.health.nsw.gov.au http://www.nimhans.kar.nic.in http://www.oas.samhsa.gov http://www.samhsa.gov http://www.who.int/en Read More