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Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

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01-12-2020 | Care

Essential Knowledge and Competencies for Psychologists Working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Authors: Sage N. Saxton, Allison G. Dempsey, Tiffany Willis, Amy E. Baughcum, Lacy Chavis, Casey Hoffman, Celia J. Fulco, Cheryl A. Milford, Zina Steinberg

Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

A training and competencies workgroup was created with the goal of identifying guidelines for essential knowledge and skills of psychologists working in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. This manuscript reviews the aspirational model of the knowledge and skills of psychologists working in NICUs across six clusters: Science, Systems, Professionalism, Relationships, Application, and Education. The purpose of these guidelines is to identify key competencies that direct the practice of neonatal psychologists, with the goal of informing the training of future neonatal psychologists. Neonatal psychologists need specialized training that goes beyond the basic competencies of a psychologist and includes a wide range of learning across multiple domains, such as perinatal mental health, family-centered care, and infant development. Achieving competency will enable the novice neonatal psychologist to successfully transition into a highly complex, medical, fast-paced, often changing environment, and ultimately provide the best care for their young patients and families.

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Title: Essential Knowledge and Competencies for Psychologists Working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Sage N. Saxton
Allison G. Dempsey
Tiffany Willis
Amy E. Baughcum
Lacy Chavis
Casey Hoffman
Celia J. Fulco
Cheryl A. Milford
Zina Steinberg
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Care
Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1068-9583
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-019-09682-8

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Essential Knowledge and Competencies for Psychologists Working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

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