A Trauma-Informed, Relationship-Centered White Paper

Resilience-Based Care in the NICU is an evidence-informed white paper that explores how trauma-informed developmental care and Caring Science can be intentionally integrated to support the well-being of babies, families, and clinicians in neonatal intensive care settings.

Grounded in developmental neuroscience, trauma theory, and Jean Watson’s Caring Science, this paper reframes resilience not as an individual trait, but as a relational and systemic capacity—one that must be cultivated through supportive environments, reflective practice, and compassionate leadership.

The white paper examines:

the impact of cumulative stress and trauma in the NICU
the role of relational safety and presence in fostering resilience
the integration of Caritas Processes with trauma-informed developmental care
the Trauma-Informed Professional (TIP) 2.0 model as a pathway for sustainable culture change

Rather than offering prescriptive solutions, Resilience-Based Care in the NICU invites clinicians, leaders, and educators to consider how care systems can be designed to buffer stress, protect dignity, and promote healing for all who enter the NICU environment.

This resource is intended for neonatal clinicians, nurse leaders, educators, and healthcare administrators seeking a thoughtful, science-grounded framework for advancing trauma-informed, resilience-supportive care.

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