NICU Teaching Project Topics?

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jun 18, 2012

Look into Developmental Care in the NICU. It's (IMO) very important, but not as widespread as it needs to be, in actual use.

almostnewgrad12 · Jun 18, 2012

Thank you!!!

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 18, 2012

Do a needs assessment of the particular unit you are in. Find out what THEY need and/or want. The leadership team can probably tell you about topics that the staff needs -- based on the unit's scores on key aspects of care that they track. The staff nurses can tell you what would be of most interest to them.

It's great that you want to avoid being the "irritating student" trying to teach the experienced nurses something. Avoid that by basing your needs assessment on THEIR needs and wants instead of trying to decide for yourself what is best for them. Don't get your ideas from strangers on the internet who don't know anything about the unit in question. That's where all the ideas the staff has heard a million times before come from. Listen to the staff! Talk to them!

almostnewgrad12 · Jun 18, 2012

Thanks for the advice! I've already been talking with my preceptors about what they feel is the greatest needs, but so far we haven't really come up with anything (which is why I decided to see if I could find some topics on here and see if they are appropriate for my unit). One of their quality improvement measures for this year is to reduce central line infections, but they said they've already heard too much about it.

I think I'll go talk to the nurse manager this week and see if there's a particular unit need she would like me to focus on. That way maybe I can help reduce some of her and the charge nurses workloads by addressing it for them. Thanks again! :)