Coach training can improve the self-efficacy of neonatal nurses. A pilot study

Objective: In this pilot study we have investigated the impact of coach training offered to neonatal nurses on their assessment of their ability to meet the needs of the mothers and fathers. Methods: The effect of a 3-day coaching training offered to neonatal nurses was investigated in an intervention study evaluating the nurses' self-efficacy before and after the course. Results: A total of 39/44(89%) and 31/40(78%) neonatal nurses answered the questionnaire before and after the course. The self-efficacy scores increased up to 14.8% and for all but 1 question, the increase was statistically significant. Conclusion: Coaching can improve nurses' self-efficacy in relation to meet the needs of the mothers and fathers. Practice implications: Coaching could be a method that can maximize the personal and professional potential of the staff, and prepare them for the mindful being-in-relation approach that increasingly is being requested. This should be confirmed in a bigger study. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.