NICU
What is the NICU?
NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is a unit for critically ill and sick newborn infants. Babies in the NICU can range from 23 to 35 weeks gestational age (preterm or premature) and 36+ weeks gestational age (full-term).
There are 4 different levels of neonatal intensive care units. They are:
• Level 1 NICU
• Level 2 NICU
• Level 3 NICU
• Level 4 NICU
Each level can accommodate a specific degree of complications and illnesses.
For what reasons is a baby admitted to the NICU?
An infant can be admitted to the neonatal ICU for numerous reasons. SOme of the more common ones are listed here:
• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Clubfoot
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Diaphragmatic Hernia
• Duodenal Atresia
• Esophageal Atresia
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Gastroesophageal Reflux
• Gastroschisis
• Hirschsprung's Disease
• Hydrocephalus
• Hydronephrosis
• Hydrops Fetalis
• Hypoglycemia
• Imperforate Anus
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
• Meconium Aspiration
• MRSA
• Meningitis
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
• Omphalocele
• Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
• Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)
• Pneumothorax
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
• Spina Bifida
• Syphilis
• Tachypnea
• Trisomy 18
• Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)
• Turner Syndrome
• Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
There are many other reasons not listed here, but all can be explained by the nurse, practitioner or doctor in the NICU.
What medical personnel can be found in the NICU?
- Specialized Doctors called Neonatologists
- Pediatricians
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP)
- Specialized Neonatal Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Nutritionists /Dieticians
- Lactation Nurses (for breastfeeding help)
- Social Workers
- Outcomes Management Workers (Administrative Nurses who handle insurance issues)
- Spiritual Health /Religious Health Workers