Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Primary Minor

Clinical and Counseling Science

Thesis Advisor

Kendra Hoepper, DNP, APRN, PNP-C

Abstract

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a highly stressful environment for both infants and their parents. Poorer infant outcomes, including longer hospital stays, feeding difficulties, and delayed developmental progress can all be a reflection and outcome of elevated parental distress. Currently, mental health distress and infant screening tools are used in most NICUs but are not seen in all practices, it is also important to provide interventions based on the screening results. Screening tools are used to identify a problem but interventions should be implemented to try to alleviate the problem. Objective: By implementing a standardized screening tool protocol and intervention procedures, this aims to decrease infant stress, limit negative outcomes, and decrease parental mental distress. Method: The proposed research involves a quasi-experimental study with 100 parents admitted to a level III or level IV NICU across California. Results: The data for this study has yet to be collected, but expected results would reflect the use of standardized screening and interventions would decrease stress and improve infant outcomes. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics would be used to compare the results of the control group versus the experimental group. Inferential statistics would be used to analyze the data results. If the p-value is < 0.05, the results are statistically significant, and the use of the screening tools and provided interventions would be supported. Conclusion: The use of standardized screening tools and appropriate interventions into daily care has the potential to promote family centered care, earlier detection of distress, and strengthen both infant outcomes and parental mental health.

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