Pediatric Nursing Department


Overview

The Pediatric Nursing Department at the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, is dedicated to preparing nurses who are competent in providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and family-centered care to infants, children, and adolescents across a wide range of healthcare settings.

Pediatric nursing requires not only clinical knowledge and technical skill, but also sensitivity to the developmental, emotional, psychological, and social needs of children and their families. Our department equips students with the knowledge and competencies necessary to promote child health, manage acute and chronic pediatric conditions, support growth and development, and contribute to the well-being of future generations.

By integrating theory, clinical practice, and child-focused communication skills, the department fosters a holistic approach to pediatric care.

Mission

To educate skilled and compassionate pediatric nurses who can provide safe, developmentally appropriate, and family-centered care to children from infancy through adolescence.

Vision

To be a distinguished center of excellence in pediatric nursing education, research, and clinical practice, recognized for advancing child health and improving pediatric care outcomes.

Core Values

  • Child-centered and family-centered care
  • Safety, compassion, and advocacy
  • Developmentally appropriate practice
  • Evidence-based pediatric care
  • Ethical and culturally sensitive communication
  • Interprofessional collaboration
  • Commitment to child health promotion

Educational Scope

1. Foundations of Pediatric Nursing

Students learn:

  • Principles of growth and development
  • Pediatric anatomy and physiology
  • Developmental assessment
  • Family dynamics in child health and illness
  • Pediatric nursing process and clinical judgment

2. Health Promotion and Preventive Care

Training includes:

  • Child wellness assessment
  • Immunization principles
  • Nutritional needs in childhood
  • Developmental screening
  • Injury prevention and child safety education
  • Health education for parents and caregivers

3. Care of Children with Acute and Chronic Conditions

Students gain competencies in caring for children with:

  • Respiratory disorders
  • Gastrointestinal conditions
  • Infectious diseases
  • Neurological disorders
  • Cardiovascular abnormalities
  • Renal and endocrine disorders
  • Hematologic and oncologic conditions
  • Congenital and developmental disorders

4. Family-Centered Pediatric Care

A major emphasis is placed on:

  • Therapeutic communication with children and parents
  • Parental support during hospitalization
  • Education of caregivers
  • Emotional and psychosocial support
  • Respect for family participation in care

5. Pediatric Emergency and Specialized Care

Students are introduced to:

  • Pediatric emergency assessment
  • Fever, dehydration, seizures, and respiratory distress
  • Pediatric medication safety
  • Pain management in children
  • Neonatal and pediatric intensive care concepts
  • Basic principles of pediatric resuscitation

6. Developmental and Psychosocial Care

The department also focuses on:

  • Age-appropriate communication
  • Play as a therapeutic strategy
  • Hospitalization stress reduction
  • Child mental health awareness
  • Adolescent health concerns

Clinical Education & Training Sites

Students complete pediatric clinical training in affiliated teaching hospitals and child-care settings, including:

  • Pediatric wards
  • Neonatal care units
  • Pediatric outpatient clinics
  • Emergency departments with pediatric exposure
  • Community child health centers
  • Growth and development monitoring units

Clinical education emphasizes:

  • Physical assessment of children
  • Pediatric medication calculation and administration
  • Monitoring growth and developmental milestones
  • Supporting parents during illness and hospitalization
  • Safe and effective communication with children of different age groups

Simulation and skills-based learning are also used to strengthen student readiness for pediatric practice.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The department supports research in areas such as:

  • Child growth and development
  • Pediatric chronic disease management
  • Family-centered pediatric care
  • Neonatal and infant health
  • Child nutrition and health education
  • Pediatric pain and anxiety management
  • Developmental disorders and early intervention
  • Pediatric patient safety

Students are encouraged to engage in academic inquiry and evidence-based practice related to child health.

Community Engagement

The Pediatric Nursing Department contributes to community health through:

  • Parent education programs
  • Child nutrition and growth awareness initiatives
  • School health promotion activities
  • Developmental screening and early referral programs
  • Preventive education on child safety and hygiene
  • Support for child and family well-being in community settings

Career Opportunities

Graduates with preparation in pediatric nursing may work in roles such as:

  • Pediatric ward nurse
  • Neonatal care nurse
  • Child health nurse
  • Pediatric outpatient clinic nurse
  • School or community child health educator
  • Family support and health promotion nurse
  • Pediatric clinical instructor
  • Research assistant in child health and pediatric nursing

Why Pediatric Nursing Matters

Pediatric nursing is essential because children are not simply small adults—they have unique physiological, developmental, emotional, and social needs.

Nurses in this field play a key role in:

  • Supporting healthy growth and development
  • Preventing childhood illness and complications
  • Educating families and caregivers
  • Reducing stress and fear during illness and hospitalization
  • Promoting long-term health outcomes across the lifespan

By training dedicated pediatric nurses, this department helps ensure healthier children, stronger families, and a healthier future for society.