The role of the home health nurse in sudden infant death syndrome

Abstract

The home health nurse plays a vital role in providing supportive crisis intervention services to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) parents and extended family and friends. Current statis tical and epidemiological factors are discussed to prepare nurses to answer questions and coun sel families who have suffered the loss of a child to SIDS. Accurate information regarding the "Back to Sleep" campaign is important to counsel new parents and the newly bereaved parent. Terminology of SIDS and grief counseling must be carefully utilized. Through assessment and identification of normal grief patterns and complicated grief, the home health nurse can assist families and provide appropriate community resources. Telephone counseling and home visits are valuable tools that home health nurses may use in their role as community liaison between the SIDS Resource Center and other community resources. Key words: grief counseling, home health, nurse, SIDS