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