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Child Health and Pediatric Nursing

School of Nursing, faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki

Mission

The Child Health and Pediatric Nursing Laboratory is dedicated to advancing knowledge of children’s growth, development, and living environments, and to promoting the health and well-being of children and their families from a life-course perspective.

Recognizing that children grow and develop through dynamic interactions with their families and communities—regardless of the presence or absence of health conditions—we generate evidence-based and developmentally appropriate nursing practices grounded in the best interests of the child.

Through research, education, and collaboration with healthcare and community partners, we contribute to child and family health promotion, alleviate illness-related suffering, and support the health and well-being of children with illnesses or special healthcare needs, fostering environments in which every child can thrive.

Research

Our research seeks to generate specialized nursing knowledge through multidimensional analyses of the lived experiences of children and their families. By examining developmental processes, health conditions, family dynamics, and social contexts, we aim to advance child- and family-centered nursing practice that supports long-term well-being and social participation.

Major research themes include:

• Development and evaluation of nursing interventions to promote independence and self-management in children with chronic conditions
• Development of nursing care models for children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and their families
• Examination of challenges in schooling and social participation among children with chronic conditions or disabilities, and development of nursing interventions to address these challenges
• Investigation of physical activity patterns and tailored nursing support for children with congenital heart disease
• Exploration of the lived experiences of children with genetic diseases and their families

Through these research initiatives, we strive to contribute to inclusive and supportive environments in which children and their families can thrive.

Education and Mentorship

The laboratory is actively engaged in undergraduate and graduate education in child health and pediatric nursing.

At the undergraduate level, our education centers on children’s growth and development and the principle of the best interests of the child. We emphasize the concept of caring in nursing and foster students’ ability to provide developmentally appropriate and ethically grounded care.

Through lectures, seminars, and clinical practicums, students develop competencies to promote the health of infants and young children and to enhance the quality of life and self-care capacities of children with illnesses or disabilities and their families.

At the graduate level, we provide advanced coursework and individualized research supervision, mentoring students in the development of rigorous, child-centered nursing research and professional leadership.