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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
A nurse practitioner model of practice in the neonatal intensive care unit
1Simmons College, Graduate School of Health Studies, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. jbeal@vmsvax.simmons.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe the practice of the nurse practitioner (NP) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in an attempt to define an advanced practice nursing model that is unique to NP practice in the NICU.
Design:
This qualitative research used an ethnographic case study design to answer the research question: 'What is the practice model of nurse practitioners working in the NICU?'
Methods:
Seven nurse practitioners working in five level II/III NICUs in Massachusetts and Rhode Island were interviewed and observed in practice. Audiotaped interviews using open-ended questions and field notes from participant observations were analyzed for patterns of behavior.
Results:
These nurse practitioners practiced within a model of advanced practice nursing that emphasized health, holism, and caring within the highly technological and medical NICU environment.
Clinical Implications:
A model of NP practice in the NICU is emerging and needs further development and testing. Nurse educators and administrators must find ways to support the nursing model in the advanced practice nursing role in the NICU. Nurse practitioners need to be more active in promoting a clearer understanding of their practice and contributions to the NICU care delivery team.
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