Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

For Patients

IN THE HOSPITAL:

FAMILY CENTERED CARE

Having a baby in the NICU is a stressful time for the whole family. At O’Connor Hospital, we consider the entire family part of our “patient-unit,” and we want to ensure that you receive the support and resources you will need during your NICU journey.

Parents are welcome at their child’s bedside 24 hours a day and encouraged to partner with nursing staff. Whether you are a new parent or and experienced pro, staff are ready to guide and support you until you feel comfortable caring for your baby.

All staff in the NICU are empowered provide families with informational resources and community services. Specialized social workers are available to assist with transportation, housing, and needs that are unique to our families. 

The Family Centered Care Program provides emotional and psychological support from trained staff, many of whom are NICU nurses or were parents of infants in the NICU themselves. They are available to talk, share ideas and tips, and connect you with community resources. 

AFTER DISCHARGE:

HIGH-RISK INFANT FOLLOW-UP (HRIF) CLINIC:

This clinic provides developmental follow-up for children from birth to age three, who are designated as high risk due to prematurity, low birth weight, or other developmental risk. Early identification and referrals for early intervention for children at risk for neuro-developmental and neurobehavioral delay are also provided. A multidisciplinary team is made up of a physician, medical assistant, developmental specialist, physical therapist, social worker, and family advocate. The team will see each family who comes to the clinic and coordinates observations into a comprehensive assessment and set of recommendations for each patient.

BABIES REACHING IMPROVED DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT (BRIDGE) PROGRAM:

The BRIDGE Program serves to optimize each family's transition from NICU to home with compassionate, family-centered, evidence-based, fiscally responsible, quality preventative home care. This program supports NICU graduates by bridging the gap between hospital and the family's medical home after discharge. The BRIDGE program was developed by Rupalee Patel, DNP, IBCLC, a pediatric nurse practitioner at our hospital. BRIDGE is currently comprised of 4 pediatric nurse practitioners who serve at-risk babies in the well-baby nursery post-discharge, in addition to all NICU graduates.