Shantelle’s journey as a mother began with a traumatic experience when her son, Bowie, was born prematurely at just 24 weeks, weighing a mere 623 grams. For the first ten weeks, Bowie remained in an incubator at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth, while his family grappled with the uncertainty of his survival. Shantelle recounted days when they were unable to touch or hold him due to his critical condition, reflecting on the intense emotional turmoil that came with such a precarious start to life.
During this stressful period, Shantelle credited the NICU nurses as essential support, dubbing them the “Navy SEALs of nursing” for their multifaceted roles. She emphasised how crucial their presence was, not just for medical care but also for emotional support. However, a significant concern has arisen in Sydney’s NICU wards, where staff shortages have led to strikes and rallies by NICU nurses over patient safety and hiring levels. NSWNMA Nepean Hospital Branch Secretary Alicia Rodgers highlighted that some newborn patients require care on par with adult intensive care patients, yet staffing levels do not meet these needs.
Kyle Pussell, CEO of Miracle Babies, expressed alarm over the ongoing staffing crisis in NICUs, stating that inadequate numbers can jeopardise the safety of both mothers and their babies. The situation contributes to nurse burnout, which can, in turn, heighten infection risks and impact infant outcomes adversely. Pussell insisted on the necessity of effectively supporting medical staff, who play a pivotal role in guiding families through the traumatic experience of having a critically ill baby.
Despite the challenges, Pussell shared her personal experience, noting that NICU nurses had provided critical support when she faced similar circumstances with her own twins born at 25 weeks. She resonated with the fear parents feel upon entering a neonatal unit. Shantelle echoed this sentiment, recounting how the compassion and engagement of NICU nurses significantly impacted her mental health during advocacy for her son’s care.
To address these challenges, nurses from Nepean and Westmead hospitals have appealed to the NSW government for more funding to remedy staffing shortages. In a response to the concerns, a spokesperson from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District indicated ongoing efforts to monitor service demand and adapt resources, including hiring additional nursing staff to achieve safe staffing levels as part of broader reforms.
Ultimately, Shantelle’s experience underscores the essential role of adequate nurse staffing in NICUs, as these healthcare professionals not only provide medical care but also offer the emotional support needed by families navigating critical early days of life.