A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 24
Transitioning from NICU to SCN
The Staffing in Special
Care Nursery
Even though your baby may
no longer need intensive care,
the SCN is still staffed by a
multi-disciplinary team. Like
NICU nurses, many of the SCN
registered nurses/midwives
have additional qualifications
in neonatal intensive or special
care nursing. The staff are there
to support you and help you
learn about being a hands on
parent, including feeding and bathing your baby. Rest assured, your baby
will continue to be in excellent care.
How the Special Care Nursery differs from the NICU
It is encouraging to know that your baby is ready to go to the Special
Care Nursery. Your baby is getting closer to going home and is requiring
less intensive care. The medical staff are confident that your baby can
keep up their own body temperature and breathe either by themselves or
with minimal assistance. It is worth knowing that some premature babies
who need less intensive care go straight to the SCN after birth, instead of
to the NICU.
Your baby is closely monitored by nurses but less often. If baby has come
from NICU then most of the machines and monitors that your baby was
connected to are likely to be gone because they no longer need them.
Your baby will come out of the incubator while in the SCN and will sleep
in an open cot where you can touch them more easily. This means lots
more cuddles!
In the SCN, you can start being more involved in your baby’s care. You can
now take over some of their nappy changes and bathing duties. Your baby
might also start to breastfeed.
If you have spent time in NICU, you might have felt at home as you knew the
staff and the routines. By getting to know the staff in the SCN, you will start
to feel at home there as well. Talk to them about your baby, what you have
learnt about your baby – their likes and dislikes – and discuss your baby’s
progress with them. If you are concerned, do not hesitate to let the staff know.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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