In the subthemes main subjects were the need for appropriate care for the long stay patient and the need of ongoing education. Discussion Both, nurses and physicians recognised a need for change in nursing care for the long stay patient at the PICU. This suits with the changing PICU environment. Nurses could have a role in bedside procedures such as pain and sedation management and weaning from the ventilator. This will enhance the area of nursing autonomy, control and responsibility and from

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... terature we know satisfaction in the workplace also will grow. The deployment of a consultative nurse may improve the satisfaction of patients and parents after discharge from the PICU and will unburden the growing responsibility of the nurses on the paediatric ward.