Primary Nursing

[PremieOne]

Our NICU unit would like to do primary nursing care. We do some at present but would like to be able to do it all the time. Does anyone out there have a policy in place that would be willing to share with my unit. Thanks in advance. Diane G.

[NoCrumping]

My experience, in the facilities I have worked in, have been after 2 years full time experience, they strongly encourage you to "primary" a baby. Of course, still voluntary, but only after you are experienced, have taken care of all types of cases , and are williing. hope this helps.

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

Here are some of our guidelines

1. You must be in the unit for 18 months.

2. Night shifters that sign up for a primary must have a day person co-primary with them so that they have someone present for rounds, conferences, etc.

3. Associates nurses...can have one from each shift. Some chronics may have more.

4. Only one primary at a time.

5. You cannot "abandon" the baby unless you have approval from the unit manager.

6. If you are going to be on vacation or LOA, designate a surrogate primary.

7. Assignments will be adjusted to accomodate primaries. If you come in at 7p, you may have another assignment until 11p , we will not split shifts. At major shift change, you will get your primary.

8. Orienters may bump you out.

9. If there are several of the same shift primaries, the sickest will be assigned it's primary first. Work out a schedule among yourselves. Better yet, don't sign up for a kid when you see 2 other people on your shift are in there.

10. You are responsible for making sure discharge teaching, etc is done. Designate if you do not see the parents.

11. For chronics, there may be more than 3 associates since people may need a break. Work out a schedule among yourselves.

We have always done primary nursing and we rarely have problems.

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

Here are some of our guidelines

1. You must be in the unit for 18 months.

2. Night shifters that sign up for a primary must have a day person co-primary with them so that they have someone present for rounds, conferences, etc.

3. Associates nurses...can have one from each shift. Some chronics may have more.

4. Only one primary at a time.

5. You cannot "abandon" the baby unless you have approval from the unit manager.

6. If you are going to be on vacation or LOA, designate a surrogate primary.

7. Assignments will be adjusted to accomodate primaries. If you come in at 7p, you may have another assignment until 11p , we will not split shifts. At major shift change, you will get your primary.

8. Orienters may bump you out.

9. If there are several of the same shift primaries, the sickest will be assigned it's primary first. Work out a schedule among yourselves. Better yet, don't sign up for a kid when you see 2 other people on your shift are in there.

10. You are responsible for making sure discharge teaching, etc is done. Designate if you do not see the parents.

11. For chronics, there may be more than 3 associates since people may need a break. Work out a schedule among yourselves.

We have always done primary nursing and we rarely have problems.

[fergus51]

I think the most important thing is that it be voluntary. Another thing I do is ask the parent's permission before signing up.

[fergus51]

I think the most important thing is that it be voluntary. Another thing I do is ask the parent's permission before signing up.

[prmenrs, RN]

"1. You must be in the unit for 18 months."

Do you mean the nurse or the pt? Kidding, I'm just kidding! :chair:

[prmenrs, RN]

"1. You must be in the unit for 18 months."

Do you mean the nurse or the pt? Kidding, I'm just kidding! :chair:

[cswain12000]

Laughing--that was a good one and brought a smile to my face as i sit here at work at three in the morning!! See--us NICU nurses do have a sense of humor!! Cindy :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

"1. You must be in the unit for 18 months."

Do you mean the nurse or the pt? Kidding, I'm just kidding! :chair:

[cswain12000]

Laughing--that was a good one and brought a smile to my face as i sit here at work at three in the morning!! See--us NICU nurses do have a sense of humor!! Cindy :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

"1. You must be in the unit for 18 months."

Do you mean the nurse or the pt? Kidding, I'm just kidding! :chair: