Newborn Nursery Assessment Checklist

Comprehensive newborn assessment for healthy nursery including physical examination, vital signs, feeding, and safety verification.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Every shift
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Nursery Nurse
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: AAP Guidelines, Joint Commission Perinatal Care, AWHONN Standards

Vital Signs

Newborn vital signs

  • Temperature within range (36.5-37.5°C)?
  • Heart rate within range (120-160)?
  • Respiratory rate within range (30-60)?
  • Weight documented?

Physical Assessment

Head-to-toe assessment

  • Skin color appropriate?
  • Fontanels assessed (soft, flat)?
  • Eyes and ears assessed?
  • Heart sounds regular, no murmur?
  • Lung sounds clear?
  • Abdomen soft, cord intact?
  • Genitalia assessed?
  • Extremities assessed, hips stable?

Feeding Assessment

Feeding status

  • Feeding method documented?
  • Tolerating feeds well?
  • Blood glucose checked if indicated?

Elimination

Output documentation

  • Voiding documented?
  • Stool pattern documented?

Safety & Security

Safety verification

  • ID bands intact and matching?
  • Security tag in place?
  • Safe sleep positioning?

Pre-Assessment Information

Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification

  • Assessor Name / Credentials
  • Assessment Date
  • Department / Unit
  • Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
  • Previous assessment findings reviewed?

Infection Prevention & Control

Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards

  • Hand hygiene compliance observed?
  • Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
  • Isolation precautions properly implemented?
  • Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
  • High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?

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