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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Why Use This Newborn Nursery Assessment Checklist?

This newborn nursery assessment checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for nursery nurse professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: every shift.

Ensures compliance with AAP Guidelines, Joint Commission Perinatal Care, AWHONN Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Newborn Nursery Assessment Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 7 sections: Vital Signs, Physical Assessment, Feeding Assessment, Elimination, Safety & Security, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every shift. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Newborn Nursery Assessment Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Nursery Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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