NICU HeartsFOR THE PEOPLEA few words can make it easier to prepare, clarify, reflect, and learn.
Agree on the goal, roles, likely difficulties, available resources, and how to respond if the situation changes. Invite questions before moving on.
Any team member can request a quick regroup. Describe what changed, agree on the revised plan, confirm responsibilities, and check shared understanding.
Reconstruct what happened together. Discuss behaviors and systems without blaming individuals. Choose one improvement, an owner, and a time to revisit it.
Try: “I want to check that I understand the plan. My understanding is ____. What am I missing?” For an immediate safety concern, state it directly and use your local escalation process.
Choose a suitable moment and setting. Describe an observed behavior and its effect, ask for the other person’s perspective, and agree on a next step. Recognize helpful actions too.
Original NICU Hearts prompts informed by AHRQ TeamSTEPPS. These are learning aids, not replacements for formal training or your workplace’s processes. No affiliation or endorsement is implied. Source links checked October 25, 2026; clinical review pending.
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