Essential NICU Nurse Vaules
As a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse, I believe every nurse should live by a patient-centered care philosophy. Patient-centered care is an approach to healthcare that focuses on the individual needs, values, and preferences of the patient. In the NICU, patient-centered care means recognizing that the newborn and their family are a unique unit and that their needs should be addressed in a collaborative and holistic way. It involves creating a supportive environment where the needs of the newborn and their family are prioritized and where the family is included in decision-making regarding the care of their newborn. You can promote patient-centered care by encompassing the nursing values of empathy, advocacy, and professionalism in your everyday practice.
Compassion and Empathy: NICU nurses should be compassionate and empathetic towards the families and the newborns they care for. This means acknowledging their feelings and being understanding of their unique needs and concerns.
NICU nurses can provide emotional support by acknowledging the stress and anxiety that families may be experiencing and by providing counseling, resources, and support groups as needed.
Family-Centered Care: NICU nurses should recognize that the family is the primary source of emotional and psychological support for the newborn. As such, they should include the family in decision-making, provide education and resources, and facilitate a partnership between the family and the healthcare team.
Nurses can empower families by providing education about the medical condition of their newborns and by encouraging them to participate in their newborn's care as much as possible. This may include teaching them about basic care tasks, such as diaper changes and feedings, and providing opportunities for them to participate in more complex tasks, such as skin-to-skin contact or holding the newborn during medical procedures.
Nurses can encourage family-centered care by including families in daily rounds and decision-making regarding the care of their newborn. This can help to promote a sense of partnership and collaboration between the healthcare team and the family.
Patient Safety: NICU nurses should prioritize the safety and well-being of the newborns in their care. This includes vigilance in monitoring vital signs, medication administration, and infection prevention.
Advocacy: NICU nurses should advocate for their patient's best interests, including ensuring that the newborns receive appropriate and timely care, adequate pain management, and informed consent for procedures.
Professionalism: NICU nurses should maintain a high level of professionalism, which includes maintaining confidentiality, maintaining up-to-date knowledge and skills, and promoting a positive and respectful work environment.
By living by these core principles, NICU nurses can provide high-quality, patient-centered care that supports the growth and development of newborns while also meeting the unique needs of their families.