People You May See in the NICU

Note

The NICU is also sometimes called the special care baby unit or special care nursery.

Regular staff

These health care providers all give care in the NICU. Many are part of the daily routine in the unit. Some care for the whole unit in shifts. Others are specifically assigned to your baby’s care.

• RN (registered nurse). An RN gives bedside nursing care and oversees other nurses.

• LVN (licensed vocational nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse). This is a nurse who provides care under an RN.

• Patient care assistant. This is a person who is trained to assist nurses in tasks, such as preparing human milk or formula for feeding, changing linens, and feeding babies.

• Pediatrician. This is a doctor who treats babies and children.

• Neonatologist. This is a pediatrician who specializes in treating newborn babies.

• Neonatal fellow. This is a pediatrician in training to become a neonatologist.

• Resident. This a doctor in training to become a pediatrician, family practice specialist, or other type of specialist.

• Pharmacist. This is a doctor who specializes in medicine. They make sure your baby receives the right medicine in the correct amount and on schedule.

• PA (physician assistant). This is a provider trained to do many of the same tasks as doctors and who are supervised by the neonatologist or attending physician.

• NP (nurse practitioner). This is an advanced practice RN with specialized training in treating newborn babies.

• Respiratory therapist. This provider manages oxygen and breathing issues.

• Lactation consultant. This provider helps mothers and babies with breastfeeding.

• Nutritionist or dietitian. This provider keeps track of the nutritional status of your baby and advises with I.V. (intravenous) and enteral (milk) nutrition.

• Physical or occupational therapist. These providers help improve a baby’s movement and strength.

• Speech therapist. This provider helps with feeding issues (sucking and swallowing involve the same muscles used for speech).

• Social worker. This provider helps with non-health issues. These include insurance, transportation, and support.

Specialists

Your baby may be seen by one or more specialists. These health care providers focus on the care and treatment of certain body systems. They often have special training in pediatrics as well.

• Cardiologist: Heart

• Endocrinologist: Glands and hormones

• Gastroenterologist: Digestive system

• Geneticist: Genetic (inherited) conditions

• Hematologist: Blood

• Nephrologist: Kidneys

• Neurologist: Brain and nervous system

• Neurosurgeon: Surgery of the brain and nervous system

• Ophthalmologist: Eyes

• Pulmonologist: Lungs

• Urologist: Urinary system and reproductive system

• Surgeon: Operates on different parts of the body, including the heart, organs in the abdomen, or urinary tract

• ENT: Operates on the ears, nose, and throat