Jessica Nijs is a clinical nurse researcher at University Hospitals Leuven, with a strong background in pediatric pain management and procedural comfort care.
Her longstanding research interest in pediatric pain originated from her master’s thesis, a randomized controlled trial on audiovisual distraction during venipuncture. After several years of clinical experience in pediatric care, including advanced training as a pain nurse specialist, Jessica transitioned into a research-focused role.
She is currently involved in innovative international projects, including little NIRVANA, an augmented-reality–based intervention aimed at empowering children and reducing procedural pain and distress, and Cosmo@Home, a digital preparation tool to reduce the need for sedation. In addition, she contributed to a Europe WSE–funded project developing an e-learning on pediatric procedural comfort care for healthcare professionals and parents.
Jessica has extensive experience in implementation and education and is faculty member of the PROSA Kenniscentrum.