Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the anesthesia nurses experiences of pediatric anesthesia in two surgical wards, a general surgery department and a day surgery surgical department at two hospitals in central Sweden. The study had a descriptive design with a qualitative approach, in which ten anesthetic nurses with more or less experience in children's anesthesia participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interview questions and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The results were reported based on a theme, three sub themes and nine categories. The theme When skills, tactfulness and interpersonal skills come to a head, with three sub themes Being prepared and ready, Interacts and open for participation   and Emotional tension. The anesthesia nurses who were interviewed described the experiences of children anesthesia as complex and varied situations. They needed to prepare themselves thoroughly, both mentally and practically. Good interactions with the child, parents and health professionals were described as important components for a successful pediatric anesthesia. A successful anesthesia gave a feeling of great satisfaction, while a less successful anesthesia gave a feeling of frustration and failure of the anesthetic nurses. Despite the emotional tension, they felt that pediatric anesthesia was the most fun and challenging they could be involved in their profession.

Keywords: anesthesia nurses, experiences, children's anesthesia, experience, preparation, parents' presence.