Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) | Your Stay at the NICU

We are committed to providing the highest quality care in a manner that is sensitive to your child’s age, cultural background, and individual needs.

Your child’s clinical care team will consist of:

Doctors and other clinicians

• NICU medical director: An attending neonatologist who, in addition to patient care, manages and oversees unit operations
• Attending neonatologist: A pediatrician who has advanced specialty training in newborn illness and critical care
• Neonatal fellow: A pediatrician who has completed residency and is receiving specialized training in neonatology
• Attending pediatric surgeon: A surgeon who has completed advanced training in pediatric and neonatal surgery, and critical care
• Pediatric surgical fellow: A doctor who has completed residency and is receiving surgical advanced training in pediatric surgery
• Respiratory therapist: A licensed professional in respiratory care who provides consultation to the primary team for issues involving airway, breathing problems, and ventilator management
• Nutritionist: A registered dietitian who provides expert guidance on nutrition to support a child’s overall health and well-being
• Pharmacist: A medical professional trained in preparing and proper use of medications who works closely with patients and care teams to ensure medications are used safely and effectively

Nurses

• Neonatal nurse manager: A registered nurse with extensive clinical experience in neonatology and an advanced degree in neonatal and pediatric clinical practice and/or nursing management who manages and oversees it operations
• Neonatal/pediatric nurse practitioner: An advanced practice nurse who has received extensive training and is licensed to provide full clinical management and prescribing for NICU patients
• Bedside nurse: A licensed registered nurse who has received additional training in the care of critically ill infants.
• Clinical assistant: A nursing assistant who partners with a nurse in helping with various newborn care activities

Support services

• Social worker: A licensed professional who provides a range of psychosocial services to enhance the quality of care for patients and families, both within the hospital and the community
• Chaplain: A member of the clergy who can offer spiritual and emotional support
• Child life specialist: A person who uses interventions and play to help enhance patient care, and who helps siblings and families adjust to health care experience
• Resource specialist: A person who helps patients and families find information and services within and outside of the hospital. Please speak with your social worker about meeting with a resource specialist.

The safety of our patients and families is our priority. We ask for your help in keeping your child safe:

• Wear your parent identification badge at all times. IDs are issued at the information desk in the hospital's lobby.
• Check in at the front desk when you arrive at the NICU and complete the visitor’s screening questionnaire
• Covered beverages are allowed in the unit, but all food items need to be kept in the family room
• Always practice hand hygiene before entering and exiting the NICU
• For patient safety, a maximum of two adults (not including siblings) can be in the patient room at one time

Parents and guardians are welcome to visit the unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Non-parent or guardian visitors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For patient safety, a maximum of four adults (not including siblings) can be in the patient room at one time. 

There is a small play area in the family waiting room with activities, toys, books, and a television your family can use. There are limited bedside sleeping arrangements for one parent/guardian. Your bedside nurse or social worker can provide you with more information.