Nursing students open teddy bear hospital for children

This week, around 200 nursery school children brought their favourite teddy bears as “patients” to the wards at UiA. They were welcomed by second-year nursing students who practised communicating with children in a playful, yet professional setting.

A core professional skill

The teddy bear hospital is linked to the course Nursing Care for Children and Young People and is carried out simultaneously on both campuses. For the students, the experience is about far more than play.

“Communication with children is a core professional skill for nurses. Many will meet children as patients or as next of kin, and then it is crucial to be able to meet them in a safe and reassuring way,” says Anne Marit Føreland, course coordinator in Kristiansand.

She points out that not all students have previous experience of working with children.

“That is precisely why it is important for them to practise in a realistic, but safe environment. Here they learn to read children’s expressions, respond to anxiety and uncertainty, and explain procedures in ways that help children feel at ease.”

Play, confidence and reassurance

Each child had their own “consultation”, during which the teddy bear was examined, bandaged or given “medicine”. The equipment was realistic enough to resemble a hospital, but the setting was adapted to the children’s needs.

For the nursery school, the visit also holds clear value.

“For children who are not familiar with hospitals, this can make future encounters with healthcare less frightening. The children have been excited and eager to take part, and many experience a sense of confidence when they are able to explain what their teddy bear needs,” says Eirik Repshus, pedagogical leader at Hokus Pokus nursery.

He believes such experiences can have a lasting impact.

“Positive encounters with nurses early in life can mean a great deal – both for children’s sense of safety later on, and perhaps even for future career choices.”

Learning through real encounters

In total, around 140 nursing students are taking part in Kristiansand and 90 in Grimstad. The students prepared thoroughly in advance through teaching sessions and group assignments focusing on communication with children.

“Meeting real children provides a very different learning experience from simulation. Students have to be fully present, listen carefully and adapt in the moment,” says Åse Ribe Johnsen, course coordinator in Grimstad.

The teddy bear hospital has also attracted strong interest beyond the university, receiving attention from both regional and national media.

UiA is now considering making the teddy bear hospital a permanent part of the nursing programme.

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Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (Kristiansand) (in Norwegian)

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (Grimstad) (in Norwegian)

Simulation and Clinical Skills Laboratory (in Norwegian)