Nurses' Performance Regarding Intravenous Access For Neonates in Intensive Care Unit: An Assessment Study

Background: Newborn babies who need intensive medical care are often admitted to neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates with health conditions such as respiratory disorders, heart problems, infections. Aim of the study, this study aimed to assess the nurses' performance regarding intravenous access for neonates in neonatal intensive care unit. Research design: descriptive design was used . Sample: A convenient sample included all available nurses at the NICU. Setting: This study was conducted at neonatal intensive care unit at Menyat El Naser hospital affiliated to Dakahliya Directorate of health Tools: Three tools were used for data collection (1) Predesigned questionnaire format, to assess characteristics of studied nurses and studied neonates also to assess nurse's knowledge regarding intravenous access in neonatal intensive care unit . (2) Observational check list to assess nurses practice regarding intravenous access in neonatal intensive care unit . (3) Attitude assessment scale to assess nurses attitude regarding intravenous access in the NICU . Result Displays that there is a relation between nurses’ total knowledge regarding intravenous access and their qualification and years of experience with highly statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Demonstrates that there is a positive correlation between total nurses’ knowledge, their total practices and total attitude regarding intravenous access for neonates. Conclusions: This study reveals that there is a positive correlation between total nurses’ knowledge, practices and attitude regarding intravenous access for neonates Recommendations : Design training programs at NICU to improve and refresh nurses’ practice regarding the invasive procedures such as intravenous access for neonates and update their performance regarding umbilical venous catheter based on scientific evidence base.