AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEONATAL NURSE CLINICIAN (NNC)

Abstract

84 NNCs from 28 randomly selected NICUs were interviewed via telephone between Jan-Mar 82. The interview included 7 open-ended, 21 fixed-alternative and 5 scaled-item questions. Sequence and wording were predetermined to delineate the group biographic profile, professional education, lines of responsibility,skills utilized and psychosocial aspects. 81(96%) were female, 80(95%) Caucasian, 38(45%) married and 9(11%) divorced. Educational preparation varied:18(22%) held a master's degree, 35(41%) a bachelor's, 23(28%) a diploma and 8 (9%) an associate's. 66(79%) completed formal NNC programs; others completed inhouse NNC programs. 62(75%) remained in their 1st employment position since beginning their career; leaving time ranged from 6 mo-6 yr with 50% leaving after the 2nd employment year. Of 22 who left 15 remained in the NNC role. A trend was noted towards NNCs with associate's degrees performing more invasive tasks than those with master's degrees. Absence of a defined role was the primary factor felt to be responsible for nurse-physician conflict. The study documents the wide range of NNC education, demonstrates the group stability, points out the low crude turnover rate, and indicates the need for the NNC role to be more specifically defined.