The quality of pediatric care does not depend solely on the presence of competent professionals. It also depends on the organization of the department, the availability of resources, adherence to protocols, and the teams’ ability to work in a coordinated manner.
In critical situations, these factors become particularly important. When a child is admitted with a serious infection, a respiratory problem, or any other severe complication, every team member must know what to do, communicate quickly, and ensure continuity of care.
Nursing leadership plays a central role in this organization. It enables the allocation of responsibilities, provides support to staff, monitors compliance with standards of care, and maintains constant communication between nurses, doctors, support staff, and families.
At Bon Sauveur Hospital in Cange, Saintanie Sonnéus helps ensure this coordination. As the head nurse of the pediatric ward, she has been working at Zanmi Lasante for 13 years. She supervises the nursing team, organizes the ward’s activities, and ensures the quality and safety of the care provided to children.
Her role also includes supporting families, who often face anxiety and uncertainty when their child is hospitalized. Informing them, reassuring them, and helping them understand the various stages of care are an integral part of patient care.
Saintanie saw this firsthand when a newborn with neonatal meningitis was admitted in critical condition. Faced with the parents’ anxiety and the gravity of the situation, the nurses, doctors, and support staff had to act quickly and coordinate their efforts closely.
The nurses, doctors, and support staff monitored the newborn’s progress and adjusted his care based on his condition. Gradually, the symptoms of the illness subsided. For his parents, who had arrived at the hospital in a state of anxiety, their child’s improvement gradually made possible what they had been hoping for since his admission: to take him home in good health.
For Saintanie, this recovery serves as a reminder that in pediatrics, outcomes depend as much on the skills of each professional as on their ability to work together, share information, and maintain consistent care throughout the hospital stay.
“What motivates me in my work at Zanmi Lasante is the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Every day is an opportunity to serve with compassion, support my team, and help provide quality care. Seeing a child regain their health and smile is the greatest reward for my professional commitment.”
The presence of skilled professionals alone is not enough to guarantee quality pediatric care. Teams also need clear organization, appropriate protocols, functional equipment, and effective communication between different departments.
Saintanie’s role involves, among other things, creating these conditions within the pediatric department. She organizes the nursing team’s work, assigns responsibilities, supports the staff, and ensures compliance with standards of care and hygiene. She also helps maintain the connection between the children, their loved ones, and the professionals responsible for their treatment.
For parents, a child’s hospitalization can be a time of worry and uncertainty. Informing them, reassuring them, and helping them understand the different stages of care are therefore an integral part of the care process.
Your support helps Zanmi Lasante strengthen pediatric services, equip the teams, and maintain high-quality care for children and their families. By investing in the professionals and systems that make this care possible, you help give more children a chance to recover.