Advocating for the Infant: Preventing Healthcare Associated Infections in the Neonatal Unit

Healthcare associated infections (nosocomial) are responsible for significant morbidity and late mortality among neonatal intensive care patients. The number of neonatal patients at risk for acquiring nosocomial infections is increasing because of the improved survival of low birth weight infants and their needs for invasive monitoring and supportive care. Effective strategies to prevent nosocomial infection must include continuous monitoring and surveillance of infection rates and distribution of pathogens; staffing; emphasis on staff accountability for incidence of nosocomial infections; hand washing compliance; minimizing central venous catheter use and contamination, and the prudent use of antimicrobial agents. Nurses must play a significant role in the development of evidence-based guidelines for infection control in the intensive care nursery. When staff has a vested interested in the guidelines along with educational programs and feedback, compliance with infection control programs will improve. Nurses become the infant's advocates in the prevention of infections.