Perceptions of parents of handicapped children concerning nurses and the health care system as it affects them.

Because of the change in mandate for Home Care Programs across Alberta, new cases of children with handicaps are now being assessed by nurses. Social workers, through the Handicapped Children's Services program, have traditionally been the ones to assess these children. This is a very new area for nurses and there is much to learn. Even less is known about the parents' perspective in working with families in community. As both a nurse working in the community and a parent of a child with special needs I see many of the issues from two sides. This study seeks to find out more about parents' feelings and views regarding nursing and the health care system. This knowledge is helpful to nurses working with these families as they strive to understand, communicate and build a helping relationship.