Sickle cell anemia is a chronic disease characterized by intermittent, acute crises of varying frequency and severity. It is an illness without a cure and without a predictable course. This combination of chronicity and acute illness presents a unique challenge in pediatric nursing care. A discussion of the pathophysiologic and clinical manifestations of sickle cell anemia in children is presented, followed by aqn update in medical treatement and a generalized plan for nursing management.