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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing - Ain Shams University- Cairo- Egypt .

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.

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