Qualified nurses' attitudes towards the child with a disability in hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of qualified nurses towards children with a disability in hospital. For this study a questionnaire was given to fifteen nurses working on the paediatric wards at Karen Grech Hospital. The overall picture given by the results of this study appears to show that nurses do have experience and recognise the important role of nurses in caring for the child with a disability. The views held about disability and children with a disability were variable and although some of the stated views appeared to be positive, others appeared to be based on pity. However, this was seen as a result of the Maltese culture rather than as a result of being nurses. Suggestions are made for improvements in the present situation and for further research to be carried out.