Nursing Competency for Caring of High-Risk Neonates at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: The survivor rate of High-Risk Neonates (HRNs) is growing; however, the number of them who need to receive competent care at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is increasing. Competency in neonatal nursing has a direct effect on the health and safety of HRNs. The aim of the study was to assess nursing competency for caring of HRNs at NICU. Research design: a descriptive research design. Settings: The study was carried out at NICU of Pediatric and Maternity Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University. Subjects: all available neonatal nurses at previous mentioned setting (n=60) and purposive sample included 30 HRNs who connected with mechanical ventilation. Tools: Pre-designed Questionnaire Sheet to assess nurses' knowledge about care of HRNs on mechanical ventilation (MV), Competency Checklist to assess their competency level and modified Likert type scale to assess their attitude. Results: the study revealed that the slightly less than half of studied nurses had good knowledge and more than three quarters of them were incompetent regarding to care of HRNs on MV. Meanwhile, slightly less than three quarters had positive attitude regarding care of HRNs on MV. There was a positive correlation between nurses' knowledge and their competency and attitude. Conclusion: About three quarters of studied nurses were incompetent and had positive attitude regarding care of HRNs on MV, Meanwhile Nearly half of them had good knowledge. Recommendation: Implement competency-based training programs, relying on job training to raise the efficiency of nurses and Continuous evaluation of nurses' competency level