 Palliative Care and Cancer Pain Management

 Keeping Current in a Complex Cancer Care Environment

Oncology Nursing: Partner Perspective Introduction

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Current Challenges in Oncology Nursing

Rebecca Kronk, PhD, CRNP, MSN, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Duquesne University, discusses medication for sleep issues in pediatric cancer patients.

Melatonin is a helpful sleep aid for pediatric patients, Kronk says, if behavioral interventions are not effective. Ideally, a child should have a good pattern of being awake and being asleep and sometimes a supplement is needed. Melatonin helps a child to fall asleep, though does not always help them to stay asleep.

Once a physiological and psychological pattern is in place, melatonin use can be discontinued.

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Rebecca Kronk on Medication for Sleep Issues

Rebecca Kronk, PhD, CRNP, MSN, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Duquesne University, discusses a nurse's role in coping with sleep issues in pediatric cancer patients.

Particularly in children, Kronk says, a developmental approach works best. It's important for a nurse and a child's parents to consider what the typical sleep expectation is for a child of that age. While that scenario is the 'goal,' other factors need to be considered.

There is no need to live with sleep problems or attribute them to the disease, treatment, or anxiety, Kronk says. Sleep issues do not just affect the child but also the functioning and health of other family members.

Rebecca Kronk, PhD, CRNP, MSN

Articles

Current Challenges in Oncology Nursing

Rebecca Kronk on Medication for Sleep Issues

Rebecca Kronk on Sleep Issues in Pediatric Patients