The Role of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners in the Implementation of a Bedside Point-of-Care Ultrasound Program.

Abstract

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is becoming increasingly utilized, with the focus of training aimed at physicians. However, the role of neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) in the development of POCUS programs is not well described.

Purpose: To describe the NNP role in the implementation of a NICU POCUS program and exemplify the potential to expand the professional scope and educational advancement of NNPs.

Methods: In 2018, a multidisciplinary team assembled to develop a POCUS program in the NICU at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH). Three NNPs received formal POCUS training in order to provide onsite training, perform and supervise POCUS imaging, and participate in quality assurance sessions. NNPs also assisted with the development of a REDCap database and imaging protocols.

Results: The LPCH POCUS NNP providers contributed to the advancement of the profession by practicing to the full scope of their role, providing leadership in program development, research, and education. Incorporating NNPs into the programmatic structure of a POCUS program can be a model for others. With advancing skill set, NNPs can be positioned to be national leaders and educators.

Implications for practice and research: NICUs developing POCUS programs can benefit from the integration of NNPs to serve as consistent content experts to expand the number of trained providers while assuring the quality of image capture. POCUS is becoming increasingly essential to the care of newborns. NNPs can play a central role in performing POCUS, participating in quality improvement and research, and educating other NICU providers.