Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the process of mandated reporting of child maltreatment by pediatric nurses. DESIGN & METHODS: Qualitative description using a grounded theory lens was used with a cross-section of pediatric nurses. Results: A point of divergence in the reporting process appears to occur at the first of three moderating points. When nurses hesitate at this first point, decision-making becomes complex and delays the reporting process, giving rise to two themes: " It's the law" and " The ones that haunt you." Practice Implications: Increasing educational efforts focused on the recognition of child maltreatment may impact nurses' low rate of reporting.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 317-323 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2010 |
Keywords
- Child maltreatment
- Mandatory reporting
- Nursing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics