The subject of the Bachelor's thesis was selected by the interest of pediatric nursing. The theme of the thesis rose from the development ideas of previous theses. The thesis was carried out in co-operation with the Pediatric ward of Kuopio University Hospital in Pohjois-Savo hospital district.

The purpose of the thesis was to develop non-pharmacological pain relief in the nursing of preschoolers. The aim was to describe the use of non-pharmacological methods of pain relief among the nursing staff in Pediatric ward.

The information of the theoretical framework was acquired from literature, studies and articles on the related fields. In addition the Nursing Clinical Practice Guidelines have been used in the gathering of the theoretical frame.

The research method was qualitative and the data was collected by a survey. The questionnaire included open questions and back ground information about respondents. The material was analyzed by using the principles of deductive and inductive content analysis.

According to the results of the survey, the nursing staff has knowledge about non-pharmacological pain relief. They apply the knowledge in the nursing of preschoolers. The conclusion was that the most commonly used methods were thermal regulation both cold and warm, distraction and presence of a parent or a nurse. The importance of children's and parents' preparation and informing for the upcoming operation were left in the minor role by respondents.

Through this thesis the nursing staff of the Pediatric ward will have valuable information about the current state of non-pharmacological pain relief methods used on the ward. The results of this thesis can be used in developing non-pharmacological analgesia of pediatric patients.