Sjuksköterskans erfarenhet vid omvårdnad av familj vars nyfödda just fått diagnosen Downs syndrom
Introduction: About 160 children with Down syndrome are born each year in Sweden. They will spend their first time in life at the neonatal departments around the country. Previous research has shown that parents in these situations have experienced an unsatisfying behaviour from the caregivers and that they are not getting the care they desire. However the research that reflects the nurses? role in these situations is sparsely studied. This has led us to think that it is important to investigate this particular area.Aim: The aim of the study was to describe nurses? experiences when caring for families whose newborn child was suspected of having or had just been diagnosed with Down syndrome.Method: A qualitative approach has been chosen as the method. To test the methods sustainability facing a full scale study, a pilot study was conducted with four pediatric nurses working in neonatal care. Semi structured interviews were conducted and the material was then analyzed using a qualitative content analysis.Result: The result showed that the participating nurses felt that they had the knowledge and experience needed for the care of families whose newborn have or are suspected of having Down syndrome. The difficulties that were experienced, and felt like a burden to the nurses?, was when the families ended up in a crisis and when it emerged that the parents chose not to take care of their child.Discussion: The results show that knowledge and experience is not always sufficient for the nurse in difficult care situations and the resources they think they have and use is not enough. The nurses felt that they had the ability to support the attachment between children and parents. The result indicate the importance of performing a study in a larger scale.