Nurses' Performance regarding care of Preterm Neonates with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Background: Continuous positive airway pressure is a low-cost, effective way to improve the respiratory status of preterm and very low birth weight infants. Aim: This study aimed to assess nurses' performance regarding care of preterm neonates with continuous positive airway pressure. Setting: The study was carried out at Neonatal Intensive Care Units affiliated to both Suez Canal University Hospitals and Ismailia Medical Complex at Ismailia city. Sample: The subjects of this study were all nurses (73 nurse) who provide direct care at Neonatal Intensive Care Units at the previously mentioned settings. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used to collect the data; structured interview questionnaire, observational checklist and likert type rating scale. Results: The results of the study revealed that, more than half of the studied nurses had average knowledge about preterm neonates with continuous positive airway pressure. While the majority of them had incompetent level of practice and the majority of the studied nurses showed positive attitude. There was a statically significant relationship between total studied nurses' level of knowledge regarding care of preterm neonates with continuous positive airway pressure and their practice. Conclusion: The study concluded that, the studied nurse had an average level of knowledge, and incompetent practice regarding care of preterm neonates undergoing continuous positive airway pressure while the great majority of the studied nurses had a positive attitude towards continuous positive airway pressure. Recommendation: the study recommended that, training educational programs and workshops regarding care of preterm neonates with continuous positive airway pressure.