NURSES’ EXPERIENCE IN THE CARE FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Any illness permanently limiting one's capacity to move or control one's body normally is considered a physical disability. Children may have cerebral palsy (CP) as a result of illnesses, accidents, or birth defects. Caring for physically disabled patients is a difficult process due to its complexity. The quality of care that healthcare professionals deliver to patients with cerebral palsy may be significantly impacted by their negative attitudes and misconceptions regarding the disorder. Aim: The study aimed to describe nurses' experiences in caring for pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. Methods: The study used a descriptive qualitative approach. After ethical approval and informed consent, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 pediatric nurses at Mother and Child Center with more than 1 year of experience caring for children with CP. Each interview lasted 30 to 60 minutes and was audio recorded. The collection of data was done from March to April 2025. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Rigor and trustworthiness were ensured in the study by member checking and peer reviewing. Results: The data analysis identified 86 initial codes that were extracted. The initial codes of similar meanings were combined into 16 sub-themes and finally developed five major themes were identified: (1) Challenges in Caring for Children with CP, (2) Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Care, (3) Caregiver Support and Interaction, (4) Professional and Personal Growth, and (5) Satisfaction with the Work Environment. Conclusions: Nurses described emotional exhaustion from the constant balancing act between empathy and professional boundaries. Despite the challenges, nurses depend on internal coping mechanisms and external help from their colleagues or mental health professionals to address burnout and preserve emotional resilience. These insights highlight the importance of institutional support structures, e.g., access to psychological counseling and peer support networks.