Abstract:
The study purpose was to describe caring need experiences of endotracheal intubated school-age children. TheHusserlian phenomenology was applied as a methodology of study. Data were collected by using in-depth interviews combined with entertainment activities in endotracheal intubated school-age children, age range 9-12 years old. Data were saturated after 10 informants. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by using Colaizzi method. (2001 cited in Sreubert & Carpenter, 2003) Findings revealed that caring need experiences of endotracheal intubated school-age children consisted of 2 parts. First, the feeing experiences of being endotracheal intubated consisted of 4 themes: 1) hurt and torture, 2) extreme fear, 3) oppression in communication, and 4) boredom. Second, the caring need experiences of being endotracheal intubated consisted of 3 themes: 1) loving and tender touch, 2) pleasant service, and 3) channel of comfort communication. This study provides an understanding about the perception of caring need from the experiences of endotracheal intubated school-age children. Findings can be used for developing holistic nursing interventions that can effectively meet needs of endotracheal intubated school-age children.