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Palliative care has evolved from its religious and historical roots to a specialized medical discipline, emphasizing quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The foundational work of pioneers in palliative care has shaped modern practices in symptom management, emotional support, and holistic care. Despite challenges in integrating palliative care in critical care settings and overcoming barriers such as limited provider availability, enhancing training and broadening the application of palliative principles remain essential. Palliative care is crucial, not just for end-of-life scenarios, but for managing severe illness at any stage, ensuring compassionate, patient-centered care.

This article examines the pivotal role of critical care nurses in managing pediatric pain, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of care. It covers the challenges and opportunities nurses face, stressing the importance of education and training. The background section underscores the global issue of inadequately managed pediatric pain and the importance of addressing social determinants of health while recognizing perceptions, beliefs, stereotypes, and biases on pain management. A multimodal approach in treatment is detailed in pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches. Barriers nurses encounter are discussed, with recommendations for a holistic and individualized approach to pediatric pain management in critical care settings.