Preparing Community Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses to Deliver Level IIIA Care

Abstract

The purpose of this quality initiative was to increase NICU nurse competency to meet the care needs of higher acuity infants. A multifaceted educational approach with individual bedside education, a clinical practicum, inservices, and case presentations was based on results from a needs assessment, observational feedback, and chart audits. Results of this educational intervention included increased nurse competency and a change in admission criteria to care for higher acuity infants without transporting them to another hospital miles away. As the admission criteria changed, the volume of higher acuity infants increased, and the nurses were able to maintain their competency in caring for these infants.