Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Nursing
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Nancy Armstrong
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are frequently exposed to excessive handling, light, and noise, which can disrupt sleep and hinder growth. This project investigates whether current caregiving schedules at Deaconess Henderson Hospital’s NICU support adequate rest and development in preterm neonates. Analysis revealed an absence of clear policies regarding clustered care, inconsistent implementation, and limited staff understanding of its evidence-based benefits. Guided by the Roy Adaptation Model, this project proposes the development and implementation of a standardized clustered care policy to promote neonatal adaptation and stability. Evidence from multiple studies (Wang et al., 2021; Hendy et al., 2022; Bazregari et al., 2019) supports that clustering routine nursing interventions within defined periods improves sleep quality, stabilizes vital signs, reduces pain, and enhances growth outcomes. The proposed policy emphasizes combining interventions every 3-4 hours, maintaining a low-stimulation environment, and involving parents in care to foster family-centered practice. Implementation will involve staff education, simulation, and continuous monitoring through documentation audits and feedback meetings. Standardizing clustered care can improve preterm infants’ physiological and developmental outcomes while enhancing nursing efficiency and satisfaction.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Senior Nursing Student Posters
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Nursing Administration Commons
Implementing Evidence-Based Cluster Care to Improve Preterm Infant Stability
Premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are frequently exposed to excessive handling, light, and noise, which can disrupt sleep and hinder growth. This project investigates whether current caregiving schedules at Deaconess Henderson Hospital’s NICU support adequate rest and development in preterm neonates. Analysis revealed an absence of clear policies regarding clustered care, inconsistent implementation, and limited staff understanding of its evidence-based benefits. Guided by the Roy Adaptation Model, this project proposes the development and implementation of a standardized clustered care policy to promote neonatal adaptation and stability. Evidence from multiple studies (Wang et al., 2021; Hendy et al., 2022; Bazregari et al., 2019) supports that clustering routine nursing interventions within defined periods improves sleep quality, stabilizes vital signs, reduces pain, and enhances growth outcomes. The proposed policy emphasizes combining interventions every 3-4 hours, maintaining a low-stimulation environment, and involving parents in care to foster family-centered practice. Implementation will involve staff education, simulation, and continuous monitoring through documentation audits and feedback meetings. Standardizing clustered care can improve preterm infants’ physiological and developmental outcomes while enhancing nursing efficiency and satisfaction.