Role of Nurses in Promoting Child Health

Abstract

Child health is a cornerstone of public health and a key determinant of a nation’s long-term development. Nurses play a pivotal role in
promoting child health through a broad spectrum of responsibilities ranging from preventive and promotive care to therapeutic and rehabilitative services. This review explores the diverse and critical roles of nurses in enhancing child health outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases, such as PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus, focusing on studies published within the past 15 years. Keywords included “child health,” “nursing role,” “health promotion,” and “pediatric nursing.” In addition, national and international reports and guidelines from the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund were reviewed. The findings highlight that nurses significantly contribute to immunization drives, nutritional assessment, growth and development monitoring, and parental counseling. In both hospital and community settings, nurses are instrumental in managing acute and chronic pediatric illnesses, delivering school health services, and supporting children with special healthcare needs. Moreover, nurses serve as advocates for child protection, actively engage in policymaking, and implement national health programs such as the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and Integrated Child Development Services. Despite these vital contributions, nurses often face challenges, such as workforce shortages, limited training opportunities, and systemic barriers in resource-constrained settings. Addressing these challenges through enhanced training, supportive policies, and intersectoral collaboration is essential. In conclusion, strengthening the role of nurses is imperative to improving child health indicators and ensuring a healthier future generation. Investments in nursing leadership and capacity building are critical to sustaining progress in child health globally.