Abstract
Background: When an infant is admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) a physical barrier to maternal-infant bonding is created (Hill & Flanagan, 20202). The repercussions of this event lead to negative developmental outcomes for infants (Hill & Flanagan, 20202). Currently, there is a limited understanding of the phenomenon of nurse-infant bonding in the NICU. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the bonding relationship between nurses and the infants they care for in the NICU setting, as well as how the NICU nurses might facilitate bonding to family members within a family-centered care model. The outcomes of nurse-infant bonding for the nurse, infant, and family were explored. Method: The study used an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach by collecting personal descriptions via individual interviews. Repeated reflexive thematic analysis was completed as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2022) to inform the creation of a conceptual model.Results: The themes informed the creation of the Triad Bonding in the NICU model. The emotional impact “love” has on forming a bond between the NICU nurses, infants, and parents was described with identification of facilitating characteristics. Barriers to bonding among the triad were described. Potential outcomes of the bond were expressed by participants as rewarding or challenging. Within the triad relationship, nurses had the opportunity to enhance the connection between parents and infants by acting as a “bridge” between the two. Conclusion: This study described the unique emotional process NICU nurses experience when bonding with infants and parents. The knowledge of these bonds aims to close the gap within the literature regarding the phenomenon of triad bonding in the NICU. Comprehension of the facilitating interventions and barriers will allow nurses to connect better with infants and parents. Educating nurses about the model may help to alleviate emotional distress of families and improve understanding of the unique experience in the NICU.