This practicum focuses on the nursing care of infants and children with childhood diseases from infancy through adolescence incorporating basic aspects of normal growth and development. The nursing process is the basis for the development of health promotion, restoration and maintenance strategies for the well and ill client. The concepts of caring, holism, and patterns of needs fulfillment are integrated throughout the course. The nurses' role in minimizing the stressful effects of illness, the use of therapeutic play, and the nutritional needs of infants and children are discussed. The information garnered prepares the student nurse to provide holistic, comprehensive, coordinated, and individualized care to the client and family in both institutional and community settings.