The Model of Neonatal Nursing Competency Development of Professional Nurses at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center

Abstract

This research and development study aimed: 1) to identify the needs of neonatal nursing competency development of professional nurses at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Nonthaburi province, 2) to develop a model of neonatal nursing competency development, and3) to study the appropriateness of neonatal nursing competency development model. The sample was divided according to the study phases. 1) The study of the needs of neonatal nursing competency development, the sample was 6 neonatal professional nurses at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 2) The model development of neonatal nursing competency development, the sample was 4 professional nurses and a pediatrician, and 3) the study of the appropriateness of neonatal nursing ompetency development model, the sample was 13 professional nurses. The sample in all phases was selected by purposive sampling. The research tools comprised: 1) a focus group guideline for a study of needs of neonatal nursing competency development, 2) a focus group guideline for model development of neonatal nursing competency, 3) questionnaires of the appropriateness of development model. The reliability coefficients were .96. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

The results revealed that 1) neonatal nurse practitioners confirmed the needs of neonatal nursing competency development. 2) The model activities comprised of core competencies development: loving of the nursing profession, team working, coordination, communication,decision-making skills, service personality, management competency, andinnovation creative idea. The specific competenciesincludeupdate knowledge, significant nursing care and procedures,nursing care for neonatal with the respirator,environmental arrangement and infection prevention, intravenous infusion, drug administration, discharge planning, using of medical equipment and tools, and teaching ability. 3) The appropriateness of neonatal nursing competency development model was rated at the high level.