Publications

Online Publications

• This quality improvement project aimed to assess the impact of educating labor and delivery nurses (L&D RNs) on adherence to Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines and hospital policies, with the goal of reducing Neonatal ICU (NICU) resource utilization in the delivery room. A chart audit was conducted for term newborn vaginal  deliveries, examining risk factors and NICU resource usage before and after the education intervention. Although the expected 10% decrease was not observed, there was a 4.8% reduction in NICU resourceutilization post-education. The chart review identified areas for documentation improvement, while indicating that L&D RNs effectively followed hospital policies and the NRP algorithm, accurately identifying prenatal and fetal risk factors requiring NICU resources. The trendfollowing the education demonstrated a sustained decrease in NICU resource utilization across all deliveries, potentially influenced by decreased NICU usage in term vaginal deliveries and a policy change enabling L&D RNs to care for the newborn during low-risk repeat cesarean sections without calling for NICU resources. This project emphasizes the significance of data collection through chart reviews, ongoing education, and support for L&D staff to ensure the provision ofsafe and efficient care for newborns. The administration can confidently endorse the development of the NRP program and Essential level provider, supported by the obtained data and outcomes, while adapting policies and spearheading initiatives to advance resuscitation science, educational efficiency, clinical performance, and patient outcomes.Keywords: clinical practice guidelines; competence; educate; Neonatal Resuscitation Program; nurses (06/2023) (link)
• Schaarschmidt, M. (2023). Adherence to NRP Guidelines: A Quality Improvement Initiative [Doctoral dissertation, Touro University Nevada]. https://www.doctorsofnursingpractice.org/project-repository-details/?postid=885 (06/2023) (link)