Basic competencies to begin developmental care in the intensive care nursery

Abstract

Intervention efforts in the neonatal intensive care nursery have evolved to the point of recognition that a nurturing environment with specialized professionals who support the family and assist the Infant in the preservation of energy in order to achieve self-regulation and autonomic, motor, and state stability is an important component of neonatal care. The primary focus is to support and communicate the behavioral needs of the infant. This article describes the specialized knowledgebase needed and presents a description of a clinically guided internship for a developmental specialist.