Measuring nursing unit culture as an empirical basis for implementing a model of practice in a neonatal intensive care unit

AimThe aim was to measure the culture and level of work excitement in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit prior to and after the implementation of a new model of practice.BackgroundIn order for the successful implementation of a model of practice, it is imperative to understand the culture of the organization.MethodsThe study sample consisted of nurses working in a NICU before and after the implementation of an individualised developmentally supportive family-centred care model from 1999 to 2002. The unit culture was assessed using the NUCAT-2 tool and level of work excitement was measured by WEXCIT.ResultsResults from descriptive analysis indicated that behaviours that were important to the nurses before and after the introduction of the Care Model were similar. Measures of work excitement showed that the nurses perceived the unit was understaffed, and there was a positive change to participating in the growth and development of other nurses.ConclusionResults show that the introduction and integration of a new model of practice takes time. By understanding the culture of the work environment and what the nurses find as interesting, exciting and frustrating can help in implementing change.