Assigned Primary Nurses: Effects on Maternal Depression in the NICU

Maternal depression has been recognized as a prevalent issue in NICU mothers. Many parents are dissatisfied with constant staffing changes and lack of communication and collaboration from NICU nurses (Brødsgaard et al., 2019). Primary nursing supports families by providing continuity of care and facilitates the development of a stronger bond between the family and the primary nurse, enhancing communication and increasing the family's sense of ease and reassurance (Umberger et al., 2018). Therefore, implementing a primary nurse within the NICU provides emotional support and comfort, lowering the risk of maternal depression.