The Integration of a Specialized Eating Disorders Nurse on a General Inpatient Pediatric Unit

Eating disorders (EDs) affect approximately 5% of Canadian adolescents. Patients experiencing acute medical complications of their illness are often treated on a general pediatric ward with mixed populations. Twenty-one health care providers shared their experiences caring for youth with EDs and provided feedback regarding the integration of a specialized ED nurse (ED-RN). Findings suggest that an RN and ED-RN model produces consistent care for ED patients and satisfying therapeutic relationships for nurses. ED-RNs caring for youth with EDs need support from their peers, whereas other nurses need training regarding this population. Suggestions for the integration of specialized RN roles are discussed.