Children's experiences of interactions with nurses in hospitals - a systematic review and meta-synthesis

BACKGROUND: When children are hospitalized, they encounter caring, supportive, and, at times, challenging interactions with nurses. The aim of this systematic review and meta-synthesis is to explore hospitalized children's experiences of interactions with nurses. METHOD: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted following the Joana Briggs Institute recommendations for conducting systematic reviews. The study is reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Checklist. In October 2024, relevant studies describing experiences of hospitalized children were searched for in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Follow-up searches were conducted in December 2025 and in August 2026. RESULTS: 36 qualitative studies were included. Based on the perspectives of hospitalized children aged 3-17 years, two synthesis findings were developed from six categories: (1) 'The power of feeling seen and appreciated', including categories of 'Expression and appearance', 'Competent and caring nurse', and 'Connecting through family'; and (2) 'Gaining control in a vulnerable situation', including categories of 'Play and humor', 'Involvement in care', and 'Praise and encouragement'. CONCLUSION: The study highlights that children are highly sensitive to how nurses present themselves and communicate. They notice not only how they are included in conversations but also how nurses treat both them and their families. Nurses' playfulness, humor, and encouragement can be meaningful for children in vulnerable situations. Nurses' awareness of balancing child-centered and family-centered care can enhance children's overall satisfaction with nursing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses should pay attention to their initial approach toward children, recognize the child as part of a family, and incorporate play and encouragement into their nursing care.