Neonatal intensive care. The nurse's role in supporting the family

In this article we have reviewed the family's response to the crisis of premature birth and the sick newborn infant. We included the structure and availability of perinatal care because many states have alternative programs. The discussion of the nurse's role in supporting families was set in our level III ICN. But it is our belief and hope that nurses can apply the same principles and methods described, in any ICN, regardless of level. The nurse's role we have described clearly demonstrates the value of the continuity the nurses can provide as a basis for supporting families. The extended role of the primary nurse can and does provide support for families to an even greater extent.