This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of holistic nursing care applied during the postoperative period on children's satisfaction with care and their perception of nursing image. The study will be conducted in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital with children aged 8 to 11 years who undergo surgical procedures.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. All children will receive routine postoperative nursing care. In addition to routine care, children in the intervention group will participate in a mandala coloring activity accompanied by music. This supportive activity is designed to help children relax, express their feelings, and improve their hospital experience.

Data will be collected using standardized questionnaires that measure children's satisfaction with nursing care and their perception of nurses. The study aims to determine whether holistic nursing practices can improve children's satisfaction and positively influence how they perceive the nursing profession.

This study is designed as a single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of postoperative holistic nursing care on children's satisfaction with care and their perception of nursing image. The study will be conducted in the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital.

The target population consists of children aged 8-11 years who are hospitalized for surgical procedures. A total of 70 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=35) or the control group (n=35). Randomization will be performed using an appropriate random allocation method to ensure equal distribution between groups.

All participants will receive routine postoperative nursing care according to institutional standards. In addition to routine care, children in the intervention group will receive a structured holistic nursing intervention consisting of mandala coloring accompanied by music during the postoperative period. This intervention is designed to promote emotional expression, relaxation, and active participation in the care process. The activity will be implemented in a safe and supervised clinical environment.

Data will be collected using the Child Information Form, the Pediatric Surgery Patient Satisfaction Scale, and the Perceived Nursing Image Scale for Children. These instruments are validated tools used to assess satisfaction with nursing care and children's perception of the nursing profession. Outcome measurements will be obtained during the postoperative hospitalization period prior to discharge.

The primary outcomes of the study are (1) children's satisfaction with nursing care and (2) perceived nursing image scores. The study hypothesizes that children who receive holistic nursing care will report higher satisfaction levels and more positive perceptions of nursing compared to the control group.

This research aims to contribute to evidence-based pediatric surgical nursing practice by evaluating the effectiveness of holistic, non-pharmacological supportive care interventions in improving children's hospital experiences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 8 to 11 years
• Hospitalized in the pediatric surgery clinic
• Undergoing a surgical procedure
• In the postoperative period during hospitalization
• Able to communicate verbally
• Parent/guardian consent and child assent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment preventing completion of questionnaires
• Hearing impairment preventing participation in music intervention
• Severe postoperative complications requiring intensive care
• Refusal to participate

This is an open-label study because the intervention (mandala coloring accompanied by music) cannot be blinded to participants or care providers.