The newborn developmental specialist: Definition, qualifications and preparation for an emerging role in the neonatal intensive care unit

Rapid expansion of information associated with developmental intervention h as resulted in increasing numbers of professionals practicing in neonatal i ntensive care units (NICUs). Complex individual, team, and systems approach es that go beyond current disciplinary knowledge and practice are necessary to ensure the ongoing growth and quality of NICU developmental programs. T his article defines the emerging role of the Newborn Developmental Speciali st as one which provides interdisciplinary leadership, education, mentoring , and systems change skills necessary for comprehensive developmental progr ams and describes the training and experience necessary to practice in this advanced practice position.