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- Q What role does a charge nurse play in caring for my baby in the NICU?
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A charge nurse (sometimes called the shift coordinator) is responsible for coordinating work assignments for staff nurses and helping solve patient care and other problems in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). The charge nurse also... Full Answer
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- Q What role do nursing directors and managers play in the NICU?
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Nursing directors and managers supervise all nurses and clerks in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). If you have a problem that can’t be solved by speaking with other nursing staff, ask to speak to the nursing director. Full Answer
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- Q What specialized healthcare professionals will help my baby in the NICU?
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In addition to doctors and nursing staff, there are a variety of other specialized professionals involved in your baby’s care in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Under the supervision of a nurse, a certified nurse assistant (CNA) provides... Full Answer
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- Q Why are infections a risk for infants in the NICU?
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Premature or sick newborns don’t fight infections well. That’s why the staff of the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) do everything they can to prevent your baby from being exposed to germs. However, even with all the precautions that are... Full Answer
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- Q How can I protect my baby from infections in the NICU?
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All newborns are vulnerable to germs -- and babies in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) are especially vulnerable. Protect your baby by doing the following: Be aware that your NICU may limit visitors or have special rules about sibling visits. Be... Full Answer
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- Q What is the routine in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU)?
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The newborn intensive care unit (NICU) environment can be unsettling, especially when it’s unfamiliar. Learning the NICU routine can help you plan your day and be part of your baby’s care team. Nurses and other care providers record... Full Answer
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- Q What should I know about visiting my baby in the NICU?
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Each newborn intensive care unit (NICU) has a visiting policy in place to help protect your baby from unnecessary exposure to germs and infections -- and to enable the best possible care for both your baby and your family. Your baby’s... Full Answer
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- Q How can I protect my own health while visiting my baby in the NICU?
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For your own health, you're encouraged to take breaks while visiting your baby in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Don’t expect to be by your baby’s side 24 hours a day. You should take time out to eat, go home, take care of errands,... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to take care of my baby in the NICU?
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Talk softly and in a gentle voice. You are welcome to make tapes for your baby -- record your voice telling a story or some of your favorite soft music. Read to your baby. Keep a diary or scrapbook for your baby. Participate as much as you feel... Full Answer
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- Q What should I know about using my cell phone in the NICU?
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Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with people and share news about your baby. But cell phones -- and other electronic devices such as media players and laptop or tablet computers -- also pose challenges in the newborn intensive care unit... Full Answer
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