NICU Capstone Project

[patientsoverprofits]

Hello all!

I'm new to NICU nursing, and hoping to complete my senior capstone project for my BSN in the NICU. I have to implement something evidence based on my unit. I was wondering if anyone might be able to point me in the direction of new research, evidence based practice, or interesting ideas that you think should be implemented into NICU practice?

I'd appreciate any suggestions!

[babyNP., APRN]

It's probably best to first identify your key stakeholders to determine what your particular unit might want or need...

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

Can you give more specifics? Do you have to actually implement something in a hospital-based unit? Will you need IRB approval?

But yes, you should start by getting in contact with the manager/QI manager/educator of the NICU and see what their needs are.

[slw326]

I agree that you should see what the needs of that specific unit are, but can give you some suggestions on what we have looked into recently in our 44-bed level IV NICU:

- Using donor breast milk (a GREAT topic, but can be difficult and expensive to implement)

- Promoting kangaroo care, especially to include dads!

- Midline head positioning in babies less than 1500 grams to reduce the incidence of IVH

Also with the worsening opioid crisis it could be interesting to pick some non-pharmacologic interventions to try to reduce NAS scores in withdrawal babies.

Best of luck!