Staff Nurses Working Together to Improve Care for Late-preterm Infants

Late-preterm infants have unique nursing care needs that require attention for the infant to transition easily to the newborn phase of life. With limited physiological reserves to respond to stress, the focus of nursing care is early recognition of stress and conservation of reserves. Evaluating current nursing practices compared with evidence-based practices can reveal what may seem to be minor practices that can have significant negative effects on care of the late-preterm infant. Involving all members of the health care team to increase awareness of the issues surrounding this unique population can lead to staff development and united efforts that improve outcomes for the late-preterm infant.