Non-Nutritive Sucking in Neonatal Intensive Care: Knowledge and Practices of NICU Nurses in Türkiye

Background: Non-nutritive sucking is an evidence-based practice used to support oral feeding readiness, pain management, and neurodevelopment in preterm and sick neonates. Nurses play a critical role in identifying and implementing non-nutritive sucking methods in neonatal intensive care units. However, there is limited data on the knowledge and clinical application of non-nutritive sucking among neonatal nurses. Research Aims: To determine the knowledge levels and practices of neonatal intensive care nurses regarding non-nutritive sucking and associated factors. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative, and correlational study was conducted with 154 neonatal nurses. Participants completed the three-part questionnaire, consisting of (1) demographic and professional characteristics; (2) nurses' practices related to non-nutritive sucking, and (3) the 27-item knowledge questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t -test, and one-way ANOVA were performed to analyze the data. Results: The mean knowledge score was 19.46 (6.144). Although 64.3% of the nurses reported applying non-nutritive sucking techniques, only 29.5% felt competent. A significant difference was found between the nurses' non-nutritive sucking knowledge score averages and their age, education level, breastfeeding training, and practices. Conclusion: Enhancing neonatal intensive care nurses’ understanding and clinical application of non-nutritive sucking is essential to support evidence-based infant care and optimize the transition to oral feeding. Educational initiatives focusing on awareness, appropriate implementation, and evaluation of non-nutritive sucking practices may contribute to more consistent and effective nursing care in neonatal intensive care settings.