Help us support NICUs strengthening Family Support Specialist roles in their units. 

***Family Support Specialist role could also be called Family Support Coordinator or Navigator. 

Family Support Specialist Job Descriptions/Guidelines Shared by Members: 

• Providence Health System NICU Family-Centered Care Program Coordinator
• Riley Children’s Health NICU Nest Family Support Program

If yes, how do Family Support Specialists support families in your NICU? 

• We provide peer support services.
• I am the NICU Nurse Navigator for our unit. We worked for years to have an FTE (full time employee) for this position. I meet with all families who come through our doors, facilitate activities, run our Patient Family-Centered Care committee, work with outside support organizations to assist with family needs (Today is a Good Day, Lily’s Hope, Project Sweet Pea, etc.). I work closely with case management. I also do a lot with discharge coordination and follow up with families once home as well. They know they have me as a contact for needs/resource once baby is home.
• Meets families, parent support group organization, crafts around holidays, assistance with families struggling with mental health issues.
• Arts and crafts, connecting families through peer program, set up AngelEye [cameras].
• She meets with families to provide peer support, creates monthly calendar of events, runs two family dinners on the unit each month, facilitates group activities and staff education, creates holiday special events and gifts for families and so much more.