Western Europe

Abstract

In many Western European countries, neonatal nurses are seen as a specialized group within pediatric nursing, while some countries do not have any specialized groups of nurses and societies. Europe has no specific society covering all neonatal nurses, they are included in a network of pediatric nursing societies Europe. The European Standards of Care for Newborn Health project provides European reference standards and a transdisciplinary focus. These standards serve as a role model for European countries and their neonatal nurses. The perspectives of parents, healthcare professionals, and relevant third parties are equally considered, aiming to identify best practices. This chapter presents a brief history of neonatal nursing practice, care, and education illustrating the Western European perspective. Family Integrated Care is integrated to a certain extent in all Neonatal Intensive Care Units and neonatal (often combined with pediatric) wards. Some results of a survey under the European Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care authorization in 2019, among NICU members in 14 Western European Countries, are presented. Furthermore, a case study and learning points are included.