Babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) need constant monitoring and 24-hour care from different healthcare professionals. You'll want to get to know the doctors, nurses, and other staff members who care for your baby.
There are also staff members whose role is to help you with specific concerns. They'll be valuable sources of information in the days and weeks to come.
These health professionals are all part of a team that's working to help your baby get stronger and to help you cope with this difficult time. (You're also an important member of the team of people who care for your baby. You should never hesitate to ask questions about how your baby's doing or to learn ways you can help.)
Here are the staff members you're likely to meet in the NICU:
Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
This type of nurse has special training in the care of children. The CNS provides support and teaches parents about what is going on with their baby.
A neonatologist is a children's doctor (pediatrician) with advanced training in the care of sick newborns. The neonatologist in charge of the NICU is sometimes called the "attending" doctor. There may be several neonatologists in the NICU.
This is a fully trained pediatrician who is receiving advanced training in the care of sick newborns.
Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)
A NNP has special nursing and medical training in caring for sick and premature babies. The neonatal nurse practitioner works with the neonatologist and medical team and can perform medical procedures, prescribe medicines, and help direct your baby's care.
Neonatal physician assistant (PA)
A neonatal physician assistant has special medical training in working with premature and sick newborns. The PA works with the neonatologist, performs medical procedures, and helps with the baby's care.
Occupational therapist (OT)
This health professional helps determine how well the baby is feeding and swallowing.
Patient care assistant (PCA)
This NICU staff member helps nurses change bed sheets, prepare bottles, and feed babies.
A pediatric resident is a doctor who's receiving training in the medical specialty of pediatrics.
A pharmacist has special training in how medicines work and the side effects they may cause. You get prescription medicine from the pharmacist.
Physical therapist (PT)
Registered dietitian (RD)
An RD is a nutrition expert who has a four-year college degree. RDs have passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Registered dietitians who work in the NICU also have had additional training in nutrition for children. These health professionals work with the neonatologists and nurses to help make sure your baby is getting all the nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Registered nurse (RN)
A RN is a health professional who has passed a written examination after graduating from a college or hospital nursing program. Registered nurses in NICUs have experience in caring for sick newborns.
This health professional is trained to care for babies with breathing problems and to use the medical equipment these babies need.
A social worker is trained to help you cope with the emotional aspects of your baby's NICU stay. The social worker can help you obtain the information you need from your baby's doctors, provide you with sources of information on your baby's medical problems, help you deal with financial difficulties and stress, and help you make any special arrangements you may need for your baby's discharge and follow-up care.
Speech and language pathologist
This specialist is trained in speech and language problems. A speech and language pathologist often works with newborns in NICUs to help resolve feeding problems.
This staff member performs specific procedures, such as drawing blood or taking X-rays.