The NICU Team
Your NICU care team may include:
Neonatologists
Pediatricians who have advanced training and are certified in the care of the premature and sick newborn infants.
Resident physicians
Doctors who are in advanced training in the care of infants and children.
Consulting physicians
Doctors with specialized training in other areas of pediatric medicine, such as cardiology, infectious diseases, and surgery.
Neonatal nurse practitioners
Registered nurses with advanced training who work with the neonatologists to medically manage your infant.
Registered nurses
Nurses who are specially trained in the care of premature and critically ill infants.
Respiratory therapists
Individuals specially trained in the operation of ventilators and other devices that deliver oxygen and assist infants with breathing.
Developmental care specialist
Registered nurses with advanced training in infant development.
Pediatric advanced care team coordinator
Registered nurses with advanced training in infant pain and comfort measures.
Pharmacists
Individuals with special training in the dosing and management of infant medications.
Social workers
Clinical social workers are part of the team for each baby and family. They provide emotional support and counseling for families and information on resources that may be helpful, both in the hospital and at home.
Speech, occupational, and physical therapists
Individuals with advanced training to assist your infant’s development in the following areas: language skills, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive skills, and social skills.
Case managers
Registered nurses specially trained to assist with insurance needs and other questions that arise. They coordinate medical follow-up and home care needs at the time of discharge.
Lactation consultants
Registered nurses with advanced training to help mothers meet breastfeeding goals. The lactation consultant is available for questions and with information on how to obtain a hospital-grade breast pump for home use. Your baby’s bedside nurse can page the lactation consultant on your behalf, or you can reach them by calling (757) 668-7405.
Registered dietitian
Often called a “nutritionist,” the RD manages the calories, protein, vitamins and minerals that your baby needs to grow and heal. The dietitian will plot your baby on a growth chart to monitor your baby’s weight gain, head growth, and length throughout their NICU stay. At discharge, the dietitian will teach you how to prepare any breast milk or formula at home.
Parent support coordinators
Parents who have gone through the experience of a hospitalized infant in the NICU and are now using that experience to help other NICU parents.
Chaplains
Chaplains are available to meet your spiritual and emotional needs and to offer support to you, your family and your child.
Others
Other members of the medical team include: nursing care partners (NCP), x-ray techs, NICU educators, secretaries, NICU managers, child life specialists, and volunteers.
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