Parent Perceptions of Transitioning From a 6-Bed Pod to a Single Family Room in a Mixed-Room Design NICU.

BACKGROUND: As some neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) shift toward mixed-room designs, with different room types available throughout family's stays, there is a need to better understand parent perceptions of this transition. METHODS: This study used a qualitative descriptive design to describe parent perceptions of transitioning from a 6-bed pod to a single family room in a mixed-room design NICU. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 mothers and 7 fathers who were regularly present on the unit before and after the transition. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted a minimum of 2 days after the transition occurred. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Four themes were identified: going into the unknown; approaching the finish line; becoming comfortable in the new reality and seeing the benefits; and gaining autonomy and confidence in parenting. CONCLUSION: These results further our understanding of the transition process from a 6-bed pod to a single-family room for parents in the NICU. Staff should be sensitized to this experience to provide tailored information and support for parents throughout the transition.

Factors Influencing Parents' Perception of Their Infants' Transition From a 6-Bed Pod to Single Family Room in a Mixed-Room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: While hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infants and their families undergo multiple transitions, and these have been found to be a source of stress for families. Although mixed-room NICU designs allow for infants to benefit from different room types as their needs evolve during their stay, these can necessitate a transfer from one room type to another, which represents a transition for families. As some NICUs change to mixed-room designs, there is a need to better understand the factors impacting these particular transitions from the perception of parents. PURPOSE: Examine parent perceptions of factors affecting the transition from a 6-bed pod to single family room in a mixed-room design NICU. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 parents whose infant had transitioned from a 6-bed pod to single family room. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Four categories of factors were identified: (1) framing, timing, and comprehensiveness of information provided by staff regarding the transition; (2) parents' perception of advantages and disadvantages of the new space; (3) parent's own well-being and quality of support from staff; and (4) parent's previous NICU and parenting experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Staff should frame the information they provide about this transition in a positive way to help parents adjust. A family-centered approach should also be used to provide tailored information and support to individual families. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future studies are needed into intraunit transfers including sources of support for parents, as well as staff perceptions of these transitions.

Nursing leaders' perceptions of a transition support program for new nurse graduates.

While nursing leaders play an important role in supporting new nurse graduates during their transition period, few studies have explored the perceptions of nursing leaders involved in transition support programs. A study was undertaken to explore the nursing leadership teams' perceptions of their role and the benefits and challenges of the Genesis Transition Support Program for New Nurse Graduates at McGill University Healthcare Centre, Quebec, Canada.A qualitative descriptive study design was used. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 12 nursing leaders from September to October 2013. Data analysis revealed 3 main themes regarding nursing leaders' role within the program: planning for the seminar, providing active learning opportunities and supporting new nurse graduates by listening, understanding, helping, and building stronger relationships. The program is largely associated with an enhanced experience of new nurse graduates transitioning into their professional role and has a positive impact on new nurse graduates, nursing leaders, and their individual nursing units.