Guidelines

NANN's publication of clinical practice guidelines extends the knowledge base of neonatal nurses by gathering the latest evidence-based research on topics in neonatal nursing. The authors of the guidelines collect, review, and synthesize recent evidence, consult with other experts in neonatal care, and offer concise practice recommendations with a rationale. Each guideline is carefully reviewed and updated at established intervals.

• Age-Appropriate Care of the Premature and Critically Ill Hospitalized Infant: Guideline for Practice, developed by Mary E. Coughlin, MS APN, discusses the five core measures for age-appropriate care (also known as developmental care): protected sleep, pain and stress assessment and management, attention to age-appropriate activities of daily living, family-centered care, and the healing environment. Published in 2011.
• The Management of Hypotension in the Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infant: Guideline for Practice, developed by Lyn Vargo, PhD RN NNP-BC, and Istvan Seri, MD PhD, focuses on the challenging topic of clinical management of systemic hypotension in the very-low-birth-weight infant during the first 3 days of postnatal life. Published in 2011 and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Neonatal Nursing Transport Standards: Guideline for Practice, third edition: Care for critically ill newborns can be improved through the implementation of endorsed practice standards developed by nursing experts involved in neonatal transport. The guidelines presented in Neonatal Nursing Transport Standards: Guidelines for Practice, third edition, are broad in scope and will help institutions establish high-quality transport teams or evaluate and improve practice among existing teams. Published in 2010. Order now
• Pain Assessment and Management: Guideline for Practice, second edition: This valuable guideline outlines pain assessment and management practices that are accepted and documented by experts in neonatal care and are based on best evidence for infant nursing care. Although broad in scope, this guideline provides a foundation for specific nursing protocols, policies, and procedures that were developed by individual institutions. Published in 2008; reviewed in May 2010.
• Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: As the use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in infants continues to proliferate, guidelines such as this one are needed to support nursing practice and promote the safety of this vulnerable patient population. Published in 2007. Order now