An Assessment of Neonatal Nurses' Knowledge and Provision of Child Passenger Safety Information

Background: Nurses who care for newborn infants in the hospital have an opportunity to serve as a resource for child passenger safety (CPS). Literature lacks information on what CPS knowledge and provision of information exists for neonatal nurses.

Objective: In this study, we assessed neonatal nurses' knowledge and provision of CPS information.

Methods: The study design included an adapted, cross-sectional, and anonymous survey. A generic survey link was distributed to National Association of Neonatal Nurses' members. Descriptive and univariate analyses were used to summarize the data.

Results: One hundred thirteen registered nurses working in the hospital, representing 27 states, completed the survey. Approximately 38.1% (N = 43) "high knowledge" respondents answered 2 scenario-based and 3 knowledge-based CPS questions correctly. Nurses addressed CPS for parents/caregivers during newborn hospitalization through car seat tolerance screenings (85.8%), verbal education or answering questions (83.2%), and providing a pamphlet or handout (52.2%). Barriers to providing CPS recommendations were nursing staff not being trained in CPS (55.8%), perceived liability (50.4%), and lack of understanding/unaware of CPS guidelines (47.8%).

Conclusion: Neonatal nurses can benefit from CPS training and hospital policies which outline nurse expectations and liabilities.