A Critical Discussion on the Academic Fundamentals and the Missions of Child Health Nursing

Purpose: To reilluminate academic fundamentals and missions of child health nursing (CHN). Methods: Critical review of literature. Results & Conclusion: The academic fundamentals of CHN were analyzed for three different basis; philosophical, theoretical, and legal & ethical basis. The philosophical basis of CHN was summarized as six beliefs; A child is an important human resource and a valuable asset for future society; A child should be respected as a unique and dignified human being; A child has his/her own unique developmental needs; A child is a vulnerable client and should be advocated for; Atraumatic care should be provided to each child; Child health care should be family-centered. The essence of the theoretical basis were reilluminated into caring theory and client advocacy theory. The legal basis of CHN was stated as pertaining to the various child-related laws and international conventions, such as UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The ethical basis were stated as 4 principles of biomedical ethics and The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. The mission of the CHN was stated and the role of CHN was described as one who is a child rights advocator, professional caring service provider, policy maker, health educator, researcher.