Hope, Help, and Healing: Implementation of a NICU Registered Nurse Navigator Role to Enhance Family-Centered Care.

Abstract

Background: Families of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience emotional distress, inconsistent communication, and difficulty navigating complex, high-acuity care. Although advances in neonatal medicine have improved survival, increasing care complexity highlights the need for structured approaches that strengthen family-centered support and interdisciplinary communication.

Purpose: To describe implementation of a NICU Registered Nurse (RN) Navigator role designed to enhance family support, communication, care coordination, and transitions from the NICU to home.

Methods: This quality improvement initiative was conducted in a tertiary-level NICU. A Registered Nurse Navigator served as a consistent point of contact for families of infants requiring prolonged or complex hospitalization by providing education, facilitating communication, supporting discharge planning, and coordinating outpatient resources. Evaluation included qualitative family feedback and staff observations regarding communication, care coordination, and discharge preparedness.

Results: Families reported feeling more informed and supported during hospitalization and transition planning. Staff observed improved interdisciplinary communication, enhanced service coordination, and more efficient resolution of family concerns. Findings are limited to descriptive observations.

Implications for practice and research: A NICU RN Navigator role may address communication and coordination gaps in high-acuity neonatal settings. Further systematic evaluation with measurable outcomes is needed before broader adoption.