There is a new study published in the current issue of Pediatrics that demonstrates the importance of quality improvement initiatives in NICUs.  It was great to see that the things that they were targeting in their research are the same things that we have already implemented in our facility!  Isn’t it great to know when you are on the right track?

The practice of neonatology is always growing and changing.  In order to keep up-to-date with the latest and best research, we have to be dynamic and open to change too.  There are always ways to improve and in our NICU, we are constantly looking for things that we can do to give our little patients the best possible care. You can feel confident that we are committed to taking the best evidence and research and integrating it into our practice. 

You can read more about the research study at:   http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Researchers-Find-Micro-prnews-4095085357.html?x=0&.v=1

If you have a great NICU story or experience to share, please email me (by clicking on my name below).  I would like to hear from you.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

 

We often have nursing students spend a clinical day in our unit.  It provides them with an educational opportunity and one for us too!  It is always good to be reminded of the little things and having a student follow you around asking questions is a great reminder.  It is also fun to see the students’ eyes grow wide and hear their exclamations of “Wow!” and “Look how little he is!” or “How do you do that?!?”   In the hustle and bustle of a busy Level III NICU, we do not want to ever forget just how amazing our job really is.  All of our staff LOVE what we do and we love taking care of all of our little patients and their families.

If you are interested in learning more about Neonatology or the NICU, check out Neonatology on the Web at:  http://www.neonatology.org/career/default.html.

If you have a great NICU story or experience to share, please email me (by clicking on my name below).  I would like to hear from you.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

It is February and Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  This time of year, there are chocolates, flowers and heart motifs everywhere.  According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.
http://www.history.com/content/valentine/history-of-valentine-s-day

Why not make a special Valentine for your little one?  Put it with his baby keepsakes and someday you can show him his very first Valentine!  Ask your nurse if you can hang it on his isolette or crib this week and be sure to take a photo. 

Happy Valentine's Day from your friends in the NICU!

Please email me (by clicking on my name below) with your comments or questions.  I would like to hear from you.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

Have you wondered why the NICU nurses measure your baby’s abdominal girth several times a day?  Have you heard the staff talking about “NEC Watch”?

So, what is “NEC”? 

“NEC” stands for necrotizing enterocolitis.  It basically means death and/or damage and inflammation to the cells of the intestine, particularly the colon.  According to sources, it is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in the NICU. [1]

NEC is a problem because a weakness in the intestine can lead to perforation of the intestinal wall.  This hole allows the normal intestinal bacteria to leak into the abdomen and leads to infection.  These infections can be very serious and life-threatening.  Typical treatment of NEC includes antibiotics, stopping feeds, and in more severe cases, surgical removal of the damaged bowel.

No one knows the cause of NEC, but we do know that those most vulnerable are premature infants, especially those weighing less than 2,000 grams.  It can occur at any time and is something that the NICU staff are always on the watch for, especially in the early stages of feeding a micropremie.

If you have questions or concerns, your infant’s neonatologist and NICU staff can answer questions specific to your infant’s health and treatment.

Please email me (by clicking on my name below) with your comments or questions.  I would like to hear from you.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

"New":  different from one of the same category that has existed previously.
(from Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary)

Believe it or not, it is 2010!
The beginning of a NEW year is always interesting...one either feels disappointed by what was not accomplished in the previous year or excited about what to expect in the coming year.  Those who have had difficult times in 2009 may be hoping for better in 2010.  Whatever your situation, how about making a "New Year's Resolution" to dwell only on the positive memories of the previous year and look forward to what lies ahead!

Happy New Year from the NCBH NICU!

Did you make any fun resolutions this year?  Tell us about them.
Please email me (by clicking on my name below) with your comments or questions.  I would love to hear from you.

Have a Blessed New Year!

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

 

As the holiday season is upon us, your emotions may be taking you on a roller coaster ride. For many of our NICU parents, their little one(s) will remain with us for Christmas. And, even though your precious infant is hospitalized, you have so many reasons to celebrate...his/her arrival, each ounce that is gained, each feeding that goes well, et cetera. This can present a challenge for those trying to celebrate the holidays with family and friends and still be at their little one's bedside. I found this poem written by a NICU Mom that I thought might help those of you struggling with being in two places at once:

A Prayer from the N.I.C.U.
by Tara Roper

Dear God,

I have a request to make.
Just a moment of your time it will take.
You see, my parents, are heartbroken and sad,
and they have prayed to you with all they had.

Could you just hug them and remind them you care,
as they are wishing I was at home, not here.
This time is confusing, unlike how they pictured it would be,
But I want them to know that you take care of me.

Although I am sleeping in this little bed,
and I am often too tired to raise my little head,
please remind them that I know they did their very best.
And that at night I am protected as I sleep upon your chest.

They think I am so lonely when they are away,
and if I could tell them, I would say

"I know this is hard, and God understands,
But just know He has never let go of my hand.
He is always with me, like He is with you,
and all this has a purpose too."

And God, while I am in this temporary N.I.C.U. home,
I just want them to know I have never been alone.
Source: Roper T. A Prayer for the N.I.C.U. FaithWriters.com

If you have a holiday poem, story, or comment to share, please email me by clicking on my name below.

Merry Christmas!

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU  

Santa Claus is Coming to North Central Baptist Hopital

"We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or the special subject of our petitions."
Albert Barnes

Thanksgiving day is upon us.  This is the one day a year that we traditionally set aside to remember the things for which we are grateful.  But, we do not need a special holiday to express our thanks and appreciation for all the good things in our lives...we can live grateful every day!

For many of our NICU parents, each and every day with their child is a reason to be grateful.  Every step forward in development and every move closer to getting baby home is a reason to praise.  The beautiful cards, photos and letters that we receive from our graduate families remind all of the NICU staff of the many reasons we love what we do and make us so thankful for the part we play in these tiny lives. 

In whatever way to choose to observe Thanksgiving this year, take a moment and say "Thank You" for all of the little things that you are grateful for each day!

"The unthankful heart...discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will fin, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
Henry Ward Beecher

Please email me (by clicking on my name below) with your comments or questions.  I would love to hear from you.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU

Do you ever feel helpless?  As  NICU nurse, I have days that I feel that way.  Even with all of my training and all of the great things that we can do medically, sometimes the best thing is to do "nothing" and just wait.  It is difficult and emotional for the families and the staff.  As a parent, I know that when your child is sick, you feel especially helpless.  And, until he or she gets better, you never feel as if you are doing enough.  During these times, remember that you are not alone in this...we are here for you.  We will answer your questions, give you a hug, and help you through the rough spots.  Sometimes the best way you can help someone heal is just by being there.  The power of a parent's love goes a long way. 

"There is no friendship, no love, like that of a parent for the child."
~ Henry Ward Beecher

Email me (by clicking on my name) or post a comment (link below) if you have a story or comment to share this week. 

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU

The big day has arrived - you and your baby are going home!  The day of discharge is exciting.  You've been preparing for this day for awhile but no that it is here, you are unsure that you are ready...sound familiar?  If you are feeling this way, it's okay.  Every family feels a little nervous about taking their baby home.  Your NICU nurses and neonatologists are there to help.  Please ask us questions all along the way and get as much "hands on" time with your baby as you can.  We want all of our families to feel confident in their knowledge and ability to care for the special needs of their NICU graduate.  Your final day in the NICU should be full of smiles, maybe a few happy tears, and goodbye hugs for the staff. 

I have been doing quite a bit of research lately on the NICU discharge process.  My goal is to find the "best" way to streamline the process so that everything gets done and there are fewer (if any) last minute surprises.  Do you have any special tips about going home from the NICU to share?  Maybe some questions you wish you had asked?  Please email me (by clicking on my name below) with your comments and ideas.  I would love to hear from you.

Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU