What is Primary Nursing?
Primary nursing is a model of care that allows your baby to have an exclusive nurse/team of nurses that care and look after your little one while in the NICU…
If the NICU you’re at doesn’t have primary nursing then petition Patient Services and ask that they make this an option. Your voice will go much further (see our Fortification Story as an example) than anyone else on staff at that hospital. Climb the ladder if you have to. NO ONE will advocate as hard for your baby as you. Dont be afraid to take it to the top if necessary…
Getting a primary nurse isn’t easy but it’s worth it once you get the first one…
You’ll typically have different nurses everyday. If you find one you like, ask them if they’d be your primary. They’ll either say yes or no.
Some advice for when they say no: Some dont like the emotional risk. Some dont have a consistent enough schedule. Some are too new and not skilled/comfortable enough to handle a preemie/micro-preemie that needs critical care…
Don’t take it personal. Simply move on to the next…
Attracting The Right Nurse
Attracting the right nurse means what it sounds like: if you’re going to approach a nurse for a long term & emotional commitment, make sure that you are kind, polite, friendly, not obnoxious, not anxious, etc. Nurses that do primary care typically prefer to primary for a baby that has non-overbearing parents…
Calling the hospital every hour to get updates: annoying and time consumingâŚ
Researching the terms used in the NICU and possible conditions your baby may have by way of forums, fb groups etc: annoyingâŚ
The reason I began to dive into research was to better formulate my questions towards the route of care for Asher. It wasn’t to put on a “novice white coat” and start barking orders. Along with that, there will be times that require you to stand your ground when advocating for your baby. Be informed but be open to correction. You’re (probably) not a doctor…
When doing research, make sure your reading published studies. The NIH is a great resource that many, if not all the published studies that are related to what your baby may be going through can be found…
Saying “thank you” also goes a long way…
Keep this is mind: just as you’re looking for the best nurse/s for your baby, nurses are qualifying you to make sure they’re working with the best parents…
You may even find a nurse that you really like, and they seem to like you, but will say “no” to you because they dont agree with the plan of care for your baby…
Which is fine…
You need to be in alignment. You’re creating the dream team for your little one…
6 Reasons Your Baby Needs A Primary Nurse
⢠Primaries offer your baby continuity of care that most NICUs will otherwise lack. In a recent study, continuity of care was associated with shorter stays and better patient outcomes.
⢠Primariesâ superior knowledge of your baby allows them to better advocate for appropriate medical decisions. Their enhanced empathy helps them to notice when your baby is âoff.â And their standing as primaries will help to get the medical team to pay attention.
⢠Primaries help you navigate the NICU by alerting you to rights you may not have known you had. They also can facilitate better communications with medical staff.
⢠Primaries promote baby bonding. Nurses will teach you the most appropriate ways to touch and hold your baby. Kangaroo care and other bonding activities can improve your childâs health and brain development.
⢠Primaries provide your family with their unique version of phenomenal care. Some nurses enjoy educating family members on caregiving best practices. Others love using their creativity to create meaningful baby âfirsts.â Every nurse has their unique strengths which will delight you if you let them.
⢠Primaries will educate you on the best ways to take care of your premature or medically fragile baby after discharge. These nurses will give you the best tips and tricks from how to soothe a colicky baby to how to get your pesky home pulse oximeter to read correctly.
Source: Hand To Hold