Homeward bound. Discharge teaching for parents of newborns with special needs

This article presents the complex work that professionals and parents must accomplish together prior to the discharge of a very ill or premature infant. Nurses play a critical role in this work by coordinating and directing the discharge teaching process. This process begins with the establishment of trusting relationships with parents and includes an assessment of the family's feelings, readiness to learn, and resources. A written teaching plan flows from this assessment and includes specific teaching topics germane to the individual child. A case manager coordinates the implementation of the plan and the evaluation of the learner's ability to care for the child independently in the home. Although time consuming and challenging, adequate discharge teaching in the NICU is critical to the successful integration of these special children into the family unit.