Nursing Role in the Care and Support of the Family of the Premature Newborn

Abstract

Prematurity is defined as a gestational age below 37 weeks, in which the severity and incidence of complications are directly
related to gestational age. These complications are associated with dysfunctions of immature organ systems, leading the
premature newborn to require hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During hospitalization, nurses
working in the unit are responsible not only for the care of the premature newborn but also for supporting parents, seeking
to reduce fear and insecurity and to promote activities and humanized care throughout the infant’s stay. Objective: To
analyze the nurse’s role in relation to the family of the premature infant hospitalized in the NICU. Methodology: Integrative
literature review, using the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE),
Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and the Nursing Database (BDENF). Results: Five
articles published between 2021 and 2025 were included, addressing the relationship between healthcare professionals and
mothers of premature infants, family experiences during hospitalization and discharge, and family adaptation after the
child’s discharge. Conclusion: Several challenges are faced by families of premature newborns, considering important
physical and emotional aspects such as health, feelings, hygiene, and feeding. This study responds to the need of families
to expand their scientific knowledge while seeking empowerment in caring for premature newborns, using health education
as a tool.
Descriptors: Newborn; Premature; Nursing Care.