Early onset neonatal hypocalcaemia is a frequently observed clinical and laboratory abnormality in neonates. Ionic calcium is crucial for many biochemical processes including blood coagulation, neuromuscular excitability, cell membrane integrity and many of the cellular enzymatic activities. Whereas, it presents within 72 hours and requires treatment with calcium supplementation. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of training program on nurses’ competent practices regarding early detection and management of early onset neonatal hypocalcaemia. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to conduct this study. Settings: The study was carried out the neonatal intensive care units at Benha University Hospital and Benha Teaching Hospital affiliated to Ministry of Health Sample: A convenient sample included all the available nurses (65), who were working at the previously mentioned settings and a convenient sample of all neonates (100) suffering from early onset hypocalcaemia. Tools: Tools of data collection included; Tool (I): A structured interviewing questionnaire schedule; to explore neonates' characteristics, nurses’ personal data and their knowledge regarding early detection and management of early onset neonatal hypocalcaemia. Tool (II): Observational checklist to assess the actual nurses' practices regarding early detection and management of early onset neonatal hypocalcaemia. Results: The present study results revealed that, the mean age of nurses was 30.76±7.00years years and nearly three quarter of them had not attended training programs related to NICU. There were highly statistical significant differences (P |
