ASSESSMENT OF NURSES PERFORMANCE CONCERNING THE IMMEDIATE CARE OF THE NEWBORN IN ISMAILIA

Abstract

The birth of an infant marks the beginning of extra-uterine existence and the continuation of a process of growth and development, which began with the fertilization of the ovum by sperm. Although most of the neonate's systems are prepared to adapt to extra-uterine life, they will not reach a state of mature functioning for varying periods of time after birth. This relative immaturity makes it difficult for the newborn infant to adapt to a usually stressful environment. The immediate care of the newborn refers to certain routine that must be performed after delivery to make certain that the infant is adapting smoothly to extra-uterine life, and that there are no immediate life-threatening problems.

This study aimed at shedding light on the actual care provided to a child during the first few minutes of his life. The standards of performance are statements presenting the level practice required to maintain the designed quality of nursing care.

The study was conducted in two steps. The first step was the evaluation of the nurses' performance before giving the training program regarding the immediate care of the newborn. A performance checklist was used mainly to establish the level of functioning expected from the nurse. The second step was a practical assessment of the nurse's performance after giving the