Nurse-led Newborn Parent Education program – A qualitative study to explore Nurses' experiences as newborn parent educators

Background: Parents require support while caring for their newborns. Nurses can be supportive in helping parents learn how to care for their newborns and their well-being and supporting their spouses and families based on the cultural and social norms of the local context of Pakistan. Newborn parent education programs play a crucial role in advancing the knowledge and skills of the nurses required for parent education. This research study aims to explore nurses' experiences as newborn parent educators after enrolling and implementing a pilot project of a newborn parent education program at a tertiary care university hospital. Methods: The exploratory qualitative research design was used to collect the responses from the four nurses at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and converted into themes. Results: The result is described under three themes, including nurses' knowledge, skills, and the importance of the program. The findings highlighted the significant role of nurses' knowledge in the health education of newborn parents toward holistic care. Obstetrics and Gynecology nurses are well-equipped with the health education and skills to care for patients and newborns. Advanced training will further equip them with concepts and skills of early childhood development. Conclusion: The study signifies that formal inclusion of such training in the curriculum and nursing trainings such as continuing professional development courses and activities is much needed with the endorsement of nursing leadership and faculty. It also highlights the role of policymakers in the investment of nursing education and practice in different health fields.