August 2026 FCC Community Exchange

Thank you to the 149 community members who joined us for this month’s FCC Community Exchange session where Carolyn Bleiler, RN, PhD shared practical ways NICU nurses can partner with fathers and non-birthing parents in the NICU.

Q&A Highlights:

Q: Curious, are there differences in health outcomes related to partnering with parents vs. teaching/coaching parents?

A: I think partnering with parents means teaching and coaching them in the care of their baby in addition to including them as decision-makers, etc.

Q: How would you encourage FCC when it is part of the culture, but seems to have taken a dip with new nurses, turn over, and nurses feeling they have been in a high conflict with parents.

A: Sharing family stories is crucial for keeping FCC at the forefront of NICU culture. Invite families to share or show pre-recorded videos of families sharing their experiences at every orientation, training session, etc. 

Q: What are the best ways to resolve personality conflicts with parents/medical staff at bedside?

A: I think NICU staff need to understand that parents are in active trauma and need compassion.