Caring for Premature Infants
Emily Linder
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR 101: Transitions in Nursing
Professor Nissley
October 5, 2015
Caring for Premature Babies
A caring and gentle nurse is one thing many people search for in this field. From the way a nurse takes care of their patient, to their ability to handle every situation professionally. It also takes a special human being to take on the title of a nurse. Especially a nurse who chooses every day to care for premature babies. If a mother or father were to walk into a hospital in premature labor, what would be the things they would look for in a nurse? In further discussion, the idea of a caring nurse should be classified as communicative, strong and empathic.
Communicative, Strong, Empathetic
Let’s try to understand some of the facts of why babies are born into this world early. It may be the mother’s body who is rejecting the baby or a baby born early due to a heart or birth defect. Having the right care and communication is one major factor that could prevent such an issue. A nurse should always be willing to help communicate every issue they have encountered. “Parents often feel stress over the sights and sounds in the NICU and suffer from feelings of powerlessness in their parental role” (Zimmerman & Bauersachs, 2012, p. 50). During a stressful time, parents may only need a calm reassuring voice; whether it be a short sentence or a ten minute conversation.
A nurse should also be able to show how strong they really can be. For example, there will be days where a nurse will walk into a baby coding or a baby born addicted who will need constant attention. No matter how hard the day may be, it will be a nurse who holds strong for that infant. If a baby were abandoned or the family cannot be there, it will be the nurse that may be the only person there for them.
Lastly, a nurse must be able to show the utmost respect and empathy for a family or infant. An...