Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Executive Summary

First Advisor

Dr. Alicia Kletter

Second Advisor

Dr. Jo Loomis

Abstract

Background The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a high-stress environment that can cause or exacerbate emotional trauma for parents of critically ill infants. While NICU nurses are trained in neonatal care and basic family-centered principles, they often receive limited education on supporting adults in acute emotional distress, leaving them unprepared to manage dysregulated behaviors. Local Problem At a Level IV NICU in a Southern California pediatric hospital, nurses may underestimate their influence on parental stress levels due to a lack of formal training in supporting emotionally distressed adults. Methods A comprehensive literature review informed an evidence-based practice (EBP) initiative guided by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework. The DNP student-led project aimed to integrate trauma-informed care principles into NICU practice through targeted staff education. Interventions A trauma-informed family-centered care (TIFCC) presentation and toolkit were developed and delivered to NICU nurses. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using pre- and post-session surveys. Results Among participants who completed both surveys, the group demonstrated a 1.7% average improvement in overall trauma-informed orientation, with a 28.6% average increase across key belief categories. Notable gains were seen in recognizing client growth, valuing relationships, and adopting strength-based perspectives. Conclusions Brief trauma-informed training improved nurses’ trauma-informed orientation and confidence in supporting distressed families. The intervention is feasible, scalable, and holds promise for interdisciplinary application and sustained impact in high-acuity pediatric settings.

Supplemental Files
Final - Complete TIFCC Education Module.pptx (14824 kB)
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