Nurse perceptions of caring for pediatric patients with behavioral health needs on non-psychiatric units during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The study examined nurses' perceptions of barriers and needs when caring for pediatric patients with behavioral health needs in inpatient non-psychiatric units during the pandemic.

Design and methods: A quantitative descriptive comparative design was used. Members of Society of Pediatric Nurses and National Pediatric Nurse Scientist Collaborative were recruited. The survey included questions about perceived barriers and needs in caring for children with behavioral health needs in their units.

Results: A total of 335 nurses across the United States participated. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis evaluated responses. Nurses in Southeast/Southwest regions were less fearful when caring for pediatric patients with behavioral health needs (p = .03), more often knew what to do (p = .01), and were supported by a behavioral health team with regular rounding (p = .035). Nurses in adult/pediatric hospitals were less likely to have adequate education to feel competent (p = .012). Nurses in the emergency department were less fearful (p = .02), more confident (p = .025), and more competent (p = .006). Nurses with up to two years of experience were likelier to feel assignments reflected the patient workload (p = .001) and more familiar with trauma-informed care protocols (p = .013).

Conclusions: This study illustrated significant variations in competence, readiness, and attitudes among nurses across different regions, hospital types, departments, and experience levels when caring for pediatric patients with behavioral health needs.

Practice implications: Results from this study could lead to the development of clinical practice guidelines, protocols, or policies to guide practice.

Keywords: Behavioral health needs; COVID-19; Nurse perception; Pediatric mental health.