Perceptions of Nurses in the Drawings and Comments of Hospitalized Children: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

A qualitative study evaluated perceptions of nurses in the drawings of 18 children ages 6–12 years hospitalized in pediatric units, and their expectations of nurses. The children made drawings of nurses and talked about the drawings with the researchers. The children’s perceptions of nurses were categorized as 55.6% positive and 44.4% negative. Content analysis of the interviews generated themes of children’s expectations of nurses: Health, compassion and support, and doing no harm. Analyzing pictures drawn by children is a useful method for health-care professionals to learn about children’s thoughts and feelings.