Barbara Murn Berkopec
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in bolezni presnove, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Pediatrična klinika, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Urška Sever
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in bolezni presnove, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Pediatrična klinika, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Irena Novšak
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in bolezni presnove, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Pediatrična klinika, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Ajda Mujdžić
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in bolezni presnove, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Pediatrična klinika, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Primož Kotnik
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in bolezni presnove, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Pediatrična klinika, Ljubljana, Slovenija in Katedra za pediatrijo, Medicinska fakulteta, Univerza v Ljubljani, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Endocrine disorders in children and adolescents represent an important group of chronic diseases that affect growth, development, metabolism and quality of life. Due to the complex functioning of the endocrine system, these conditions often have multifaceted consequences, impacting both physical health and psychosocial well-being. The most common disorders include growth disturbances, obesity and diseases of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, while rarer conditions include genetic disorders such as achondroplasia. The management of children with endocrine disorders requires a holistic, individualized and multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration among various healthcare professionals. Registered nurses play a key role in this process, participating in patient and family education, performing diagnostic procedures, monitoring treatment progress and providing psychosocial support. Long-term adherence to treatment represents a particular challenge, as many therapies are prolonged and require active involvement from both the patient and their family. Through their professional knowledge, clinical experience and communication skills, nurses significantly contribute to improving patient adherence and consequently treatment outcomes. The aim of this article is to present the role of the registered nurse in the care of children and adolescents with selected endocrine disorders and to highlight the importance of nursing practice in modern pediatric endocrinology.

Key words: education, child, adolescent, nurse, growth hor-mone, obesity, diabetes insipidus, achondroplasia