The missing voice of the Nurse-Parent: A literature review

Aims To increase our understanding of nurse-parents' experiences when their child is hospitalised with an acute illness. Background The hospitalisation of a child is a stressful event for many parents. Parents who are also nurses (nurse-parents) may face additional challenges due to their nursing background and knowledge. Methods Sixteen articles, including 14 qualitative studies and two mixed-methods studies, were reviewed. Results No studies of nurse-parent experiences were identified. A review of the experiences of nurses as recipients of health care, and general-public parents with a hospitalised child was therefore undertaken to provide an insight into the potential experiences of nurse-parents. Conclusion Nurse-parents' experiences may be complicated by a number of challenges not faced by general-public parents; including dual role conflicts, and amplified social, emotional and psychological difficulties. Implications for clinical practice Health care professionals need to consider the specific challenges that may be faced by nurse-parents to provide effective and supportive care. Research into this client group is therefore needed to enable an enhanced understanding of their particular needs.