Introduction

1. Introduction • This presentation is being provided for staff who may be starting a veteran parent program to support FICare • The narrative on the slide notes is a guide to help you understand the content of the slides

2. Parent to Parent Support: “One-to-One” Ways to support and engage NICU parents at the bedside

3. What can a veteran parent offer An ear Understand the parent perspective Relate as a non clinician Methods of coping Practical tips Hope An end to potential isolation Provide insight to staff

4. Veteran Parents ARE NOT: Medical experts Psychologists Cure all's Work horses ARE Listening ears Crying shoulders Resource centers Guides Confident

5. What Veteran Parents need to know before getting started • Boundaries of peer support • Support is limited to shared common experience • Judicious use of self • Confidentiality • Member of inter-professional team

6. Going back into the NICU:as a veteran parent • Be aware of triggers; • sights, smells, sounds • Debrief • either prior or post visit with social worker or coordinator if you feel uneasy • Discuss what kind of support you wish to provide • One-to-one, parent groups, committee work

7. Different ways to provide “one-to-one” support • Bedside • Sitting areas/parent lounge • Outside of the unit • Walks • Coffee break • Printed information

8. Providing tangible support

9. Providing support: timing • When parents are not engaged with the medical team • When parents are not busy with their baby • When parents make eye contact and are open; watch body language

10. What not to wear • No scents • No jewelry • No heels • Do not over dress

11. What not to bring into the unit • No Coats • No purses/bags • No food (or gum) • No drink

12. Infection control • Do not enter the unit if you are sick • Wash your hands • Use sanitizer between each bedside • Do not touch the baby’s space (lean on crib) or touch parent

13. The Voice • Be respectful of the different situations at each bedside • Do not be too loud or yell across the room • Tone of voice is important, parents will respond to it • Speak clearly and normally (not too fast)

14. Hello my name is… • Introduce yourself • Make eye contact • Smile • Say congratulations! • Ask to be introduced to their baby • Give a compliment to both parent and baby

15. My name is _____. I am a veteran parent. I had a baby in here ___long ago, now I’m here on ____days to support parents. The NICU can be pretty overwhelming! I know when I was in here I felt it really helped when I talked to other parents who had been through the NICU experience. Do you have any questions I can help you with? Your brief story

16. Ask the parent if they are… 1) Sleeping 2) Eating 3) Pumping

17. Provide information 1) Providing information (education sessions, family meetings, handouts) 2) Providing emotional support (listening, eye contact, conversation about the baby and “I have been there do you want to talk”)

18. Feelings of awkwardness • When you don’t know what to say • When you feel overwhelmed and need time to think or need support from staff • When a baby is in crisis

19. Staff supportingveteran parents • Check when they arrive • Provide update & where parent can best provide support • Be available • Debrief end of day • Ensure staff understand role • Introductions • Remind staff that they will be in today • Provide ways for staff to introduce veteran parents to families at bedside

20. Tips when engaging with parents at bedside Training prior to providing support Opportunity for role play Listen Smile and make eye contact Give generic but genuine compliments Refer to baby by name & correct gender Give hope, give your truth but don’t give promises Use appropriate language Do not give medical information Don’t judge Create a safe environment to share experiences

21. When the connection doesn’t happen • Don’t take it personally • Talk to coordinator • debrief • Don’t assume anything • If feel out of depth • Talk to coordinator

22. Remember when in doubt: Listening and Your experience is your expertise!