A Qualitative Study: NICU Nurses as NICU Parents

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Qualitative Research
• Healthcare Experience

Background:

• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses possess unique insights into the NICU environment due to their professional experience.
• Mothers with NICU nursing backgrounds are uniquely positioned to evaluate the NICU experience from both a professional and personal perspective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the lived experiences of NICU nurses who become mothers.
• To understand how these women coped with dual roles as professionals and parents.
• To compare their experiences and coping mechanisms with those of mothers without NICU nursing experience.

Main Methods:

• A narrative qualitative research design was employed.
• Data were collected through face-to-face taped interviews.
• Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using both computer-assisted and manual methods.

Main Results:

• Six NICU nurses participated in the study.
• Participants shared common issues with mothers without NICU experience.
• Key differences included NICU nurses acting as vocal advocates and adeptly navigating the healthcare system.

Conclusions:

• NICU nurses with personal NICU experience can advocate for family-centered care, leveraging their dual perspective to improve care.
• Qualitative research on healthcare professionals as patients offers valuable insights into the healthcare system for all users.