A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 32
An introduction to the NICU and SCN
Your Care Team
Each baby in a neonatal unit is assigned a care team.
This is a multi-disciplinary team of neonatal staff members
that may have additional qualifications in caring for
premature or sick babies.
The staff are there to support and show you how to take part in your
baby’s care, including feeding and bathing. You can talk to them about any
concerns you may have and you will always be in excellent care.
Meet the people who’ll care
for your baby
or education to staff, families and
the broader health care team.
Neonatal Consultants are medical
professionals who specialise in
caring for newborn babies. Your
baby will be admitted under the
care of a neonatologist. The
neonatologist will review your
baby and decide on a plan of
care, making any adjustments to
medications and fluids and ordering
blood tests, X-rays and further
treatments.
Neonatal Nurses will be allocated
to the care of your baby every shift
and will provide care and ongoing
assessment of your baby. The
neonatal nurse will ensure your
baby is monitored and observed,
receives any breathing support,
fluids and nutrients required. If you
have any questions about your
baby regarding feeding and their
care, please speak with your baby’s
nurse.
Nurse Unit Managers (NUMs)
are responsible for managing the
day-to-day operation of the unit,
organising staff and baby allocation
to those staff on duty. They will be
present on the ward rounds each
day.
Neonatal Dieticians work with the
neonatal team to support your
baby’s nutrition and growth, attend
ward rounds and prepare nutrition
plans for your baby.
Clinical Nurse Coordinators (CNCs)
work with families and the health
care team, reviewing research,
developing policies to guide clinical
practice and providing information
Pharmacists visit the neonatal unit
each day to ensure that all the
needed medications are available.
They advise the doctors and nurses
on medication use and oversee the
dosing for each baby.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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