Improving practice at the point of care through the optimization of the breastfeeding resource nurse model.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and understand the Breastfeeding Resource Nurse (BRN) role and program.

DESIGN

The primary study was a multimethod prospective study in which quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews of nurses who received education through the BRN program were used. Results presented herein are from the quantitative arm of the primary study.

SETTING

A large free-standing urban children's hospital with a birthing unit for specialized deliveries and a primary and specialty care network.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 425 of 600 nurses who took the BRN course responded to the survey. These nurses worked in all settings throughout the enterprise.

METHODS

The research team created a Survey Monkey interview that was e-mailed to all current nurses with valid hospital e-mail addresses who had taken the BRN course. Monthly e-mail reminders were sent and nurse managers were asked to encourage their staff to fill out the survey.

RESULTS

Nurses who received specialized education through BRN course integrated the provision of evidence-based breastfeeding support and care into their daily routines. Furthermore, nurses became breastfeeding advocates and supported family, friends, and members of their communities in their breastfeeding experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of education needed for nurses who work at children's hospitals and in neonatal intensive care units is different than traditional breastfeeding education for birth hospitals. Implementation of the BRN course resulted in positive outcomes for staff; the course is transferrable to other facilities worldwide.