Pediatric nurses' experiences caring for children and suspected offenders during maltreatment investigations: A hermeneutic phenomenological study.

PURPOSE: To explore the lived experience of pediatric nurses caring for child maltreatment victims when the suspected offender is present at the bedside, a context that presents unique ethical and emotional challenges.

DESIGN AND METHOD: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore the lived experience. Fourteen pediatric nurses participated in in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using van Manen's thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes, comprising 11 subthemes, were identified: 1) Nurses care for sick people, 2) Adjusting mental and physical strategies, 3) Navigating attention and role conflict, and 4) Enduring emotional impact.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals the emotional toll pediatric nurses face during maltreatment investigations. Despite their commitment to caring for all patients and the use of adaptation strategies, nurses often experience psychological harm. Maltreatment investigations disrupt traditional models of family-centered care and can contribute to compassion fatigue, burnout, and professional isolation.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Findings highlight the need for organizational support, clearer role expectations, education, and nurses' psychological safety. Interventions that support nurses' emotional well-being and professional identity are essential to sustaining compassionate, ethical care in complex pediatric settings.