ASSESSMENT OF NURSING CARE PROVIDED TO NEONATES UNDERGOING PHOTOTHERAPY AT RAHMA HOSPITAL, IRBID GOVERNORATE-JORDAN
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Abstract
Background and Objective:
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that affects approximately 60% of newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with low birth weight. Phototherapy, which involves exposing the neonate to blue light, is a widely used treatment for neonatal jaundice. This study aimed to assess the nursing care provided to neonates undergoing phototherapy at Rahma Hospital in Irbid governorate.
Subjects and Method: A descriptive study design was utilized, and data were collected through direct observation and interviews with the nursing staff.
Results: The results showed more than two thirds of nurses (72.5% & 73.75%) had poor knowledge about side effects and nursing care of neonates undergoing phototherapy respectively. more than two thirds of the studied nurses (68.75%, 67.5%, 71.25%, 68.75%, 70%, 70%, 70% & 71.25%) had poor practice related to hand washing, vital signs, measuring weight, measuring length, eye care, cord care, bottle feeding and gavage feeding respectively and 65% of them had poor practice related to incubator care.
Conclusion: However, the nursing staff reported some challenges, including staff shortages and resource limitations. The study recommends increasing staffing levels and investing in additional resources to further improve nursing care practices for neonates undergoing phototherapy.