SamOBRn

They say that "things are being missed, by the nurses who are caring for the couplets." They haven't brought forth these "things" yet, they have just presented a list of demands to our department manager. They are used to having a NICU trained RN assess all the infants, all of the infants were assessed in the nursery, the babies were rounded up for morning rounds and everyone's baby came to the nsy for the MD exam. So it was easy for them just assess all their infants and do their charting in one place rather than moving from room to room to assess the infants in the mother's room, it was like a assembly line moving from one infant to another, washing inbetween. As a staff we believe that couplet care has improved care because the RN caring for that newborn is having continued contact with that infant throughout the shift, helping with breastfeeding and the like. The parents also get to be present during the newborn exam which we believe encourages them to ask questions of their MD and facilitates a relationship with thier MD. When all assessments were done by one RN it was possible that after that one assessment that the RN may not physically see that infant for the rest of the shift as she may have been tied down in the nsy with a Bili baby or Grower. Also if anyone knows of any researched based data on couplet care that maybe of help I would appreciate it, I have found some but any other info would be great! Thanks

I am a RN at a regional medical center that does approximately 1,000 births/year in a LDR setting with a separate PP/GYN unit. We have been doing couplet care for the past two years and a majority of the nursing staff are pleased with the change. However, there are a few of the peds who would like us to return to our previous method of care which was a single RN assessing and being responsible for all infants. We are being faced with having to return to the old way as they have said that the trend is moving away from couplet care. I am wondering what is happening out there. So if you have the time, I and my coworkers would really appreciate your input. Thanks in advance. State-- # births/year-- Do you do couplet care? Who attends deliveries? Standard's for newborn vitals/assessments? Do you have a well-baby nsy or just a NICU or both? If no, well nsy where do infants go if mom needs a break? Do you have a charge nurse, or someone who oversees all the newborn assessments done by the couplet nurses?