The maternal role in the pediatric intensive care unit and hospital ward.

Two issues were examined in this study, (1) the mother's parental role when a child is admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and then transferred to a hospital ward, and (2) the influence of situational factors (e.g., whether procedures were taking place, the presence of others such as family or friends) that could alter mothers' parenting role in the PICU and on the ward. Twelve mothers were observed at the child's bedside and were found to assume six parental roles (namely, Vigilant Parent, Nurturer-Comforter, Medical Parent, Caregiver, Entertainer, Protector). In both settings, the Vigilant Parent and Nurturer-Comforter roles were the most predominant roles. The Medical Parent role was assumed more often during procedures, particularly on the ward. Mothers assumed the Caregiver role more often on the ward than in the PICU. The Entertainer and Protector roles occurred infrequently in both settings. The child's condition and the presence of another person influenced the roles mothers assumed.