NERS NEWS — As an effort to improve motor development, concentration, and reduce anxiety due to hospitalization in children, Nursing Professional Program students of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga conducted a play therapy activity with the theme “Assembling Puzzle Boards” on Friday, May 22, 2026, in the BOBO II Ward of RSUD Dr. Soetomo. This activity was intended for pediatric patients undergoing treatment so that they could continue to receive growth and development stimulation as well as an enjoyable play experience while being treated in the hospital.
The activity was carried out through an educational play method using illustrated puzzle board media adjusted to the children’s ages. The children were invited to assemble puzzle pieces into complete shapes with assistance from Nursing Professional Program students. In addition to training fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, this game also aimed to improve focus and thinking abilities, as well as help children reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, and boredom during hospitalization.
The implementation of the play therapy was designed to be communicative and enjoyable so that the children could participate enthusiastically in the activity. During the activity, the students provided motivation and appreciation to the children so they would become more confident in completing the given puzzles. Parents were also involved in the assistance process so that positive interaction between children and families during hospitalization could be created.
This play therapy activity was carried out by Nursing Professional Program Students of Batch B27 Group A2-4, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, under the supervision of academic supervisor Dr. Iqlima Dwi Kurnia, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. and clinical supervisor Shinta Narulita, S.Kep., Ns. The activity took place on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 09.00 WIB and was attended by pediatric patients undergoing treatment in the BOBO II Ward of RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya.
Through this activity, the students aimed to help children reduce the impact of hospitalization and improve children’s motor skills, concentration, and social interaction during the treatment period. In addition, the play activity was also expected to provide a more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for children while staying in the hospital.
The participants’ enthusiasm could be seen from the children’s activeness in assembling puzzles as well as the positive responses from the accompanying parents. The children appeared more cooperative, cheerful, and able to follow instructions during the activity. Several children also showed increased confidence in interacting with students and healthcare workers.
The “Assembling Puzzle Boards” play therapy activity was also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through promotive efforts in supporting children’s mental and emotional health during hospitalization.
- SDG 4: Quality Education, through the provision of educational stimulation that supports children’s cognitive and motor development.
The play therapy activity ran smoothly and received positive responses from participants and patients’ families. It is hoped that this activity can provide benefits in helping children face the hospitalization process more comfortably as well as support children’s growth and development during treatment in the hospital.
Writer: Nanda Durroti El Jaudah
Editor: Nandyta Putri Rahmadhani (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
