“Small babies, big potential. Invest in follow-up care to protect their future!”
In nursing school, we learn that nursing is a science and an art. It is the combination of evidence-based skill with a caring approach. This mix ensures the success of nursing care: having a holistic impact on the patient that leads to an optimal outcome.
This is most true for neonatal nurses. The line between competence and caring, however, dissipates until these two concepts are one entity. It is not possible to nurse a neonate with skill and knowledge only – the premature neonate demands more: an attentive touch, an observant ear, a focus on so much more than only their physical improvement.
In the NICU, the premature neonate is met with challenges: life outside the womb was not yet meant for their small bodies. The most basic of human functions can be exhausting and difficult for them to accomplish. They require care that not only understands the complexities of their early arrival, but also the burdens that may last past their discharge date.
The expert care of the neonatal nurse can bring relief and promote the development of the premature baby. We compare blood gases, assess feeds, wean ventilatory support and optimize bonding experiences: combining the science and art of nursing with every intervention to prepare the baby and their families for the day of discharge.
But the days after the discharge should never be counted as less important than the days before the discharge. The post discharge care and education should enable the family of the premature neonate to confidently continue with the care of the neonate and to promote their development. The science of nursing ensures that the family is skilled; the art of nursing ensures that the family is able. Being able to gain a family’s trust to assist them to gain confidence to become capable care givers to the premature neonate is a masterpiece in neonatal care.
It is reassuring, however, that the neonatal nurse never has to work in isolation to ensure a successful discharge for the premature neonate. The multidisciplinary team is designed to meet every short- and long-term need of the baby. The neonatal nurse can advocate for and collaborate with the team to empower the premature neonate and their families to lead lives not encumbered by burdens resulting from prematurity.
This World Prematurity Day, let us be reminded of the long-term legacy of neonatal nurses when considering the theme “Small babies, big potential. Invest in follow-up care to protect their future!”
NNASA supports neonatal nurses to support the premature neonate and their families in the NICU and in preparation for life outside of the NICU. We look forward to keeping you up to date with regards to the development of the official qualification and support the resources the multidisciplinary team offers. NNASA members also receive access to WhatsApp groups that can provide real-time support from peers.
“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.” Fred Rogers
Use the following links to find specific support networks to refer neonates to:
For Audiologists: www.audiologysa.co.za
For Physiotherapists: www.saphysio.co.za
To find occupational therapists in your area, enquiries can be made on the NNASA WhatsApp group.
For parents of premature neonates: www.littlesteps.co.za; www.preemieconnect.my.canva.site
For donor milk queries or donations: www.sabr.org.za; www.hmbasa.org.za
To join as a NNASA member New Member Application | NNASA