Healthcare Team
You as parents are the most important members of the healthcare team. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers are all part of your baby’s team. We strive to provide consistent care teams for each baby, but please understand that there are going to be times when you may see different neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses and ancillary staff due to scheduling. Team members communicate with each other daily about each baby’s condition and care plan.
Who's Who?
Neonatologist (nee-oh-nay-tahl-uh-jist)
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A physician specializing in the care of premature or critically ill infants. At St. Joe’s, a neonatologist is available 24 hours a day. Each week, your baby will have a primary neonatologist assigned to him or her. The neonatologists work very closely with the neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP).
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) (nee-oh-nay-tuhl nurse prak-tih-shun-er)
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A registered nurse with a master’s degree and extra training in the care of premature and ill babies. They are licensed to provide advanced medical procedures, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications to NICU patients. They work very closely with the neonatologists and are available 24 hours a day.
Staff Nurse
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A registered nurse who has special training in providing bedside care for premature and ill babies. As staffing allows, we try to assign (give) you the same Primary or Associate nurses so that we can give consistent care to you and your baby.
Primary Nurse
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A staff nurse who will regularly care for your baby. This nurse knows your baby and the care plan. They can speak on your behalf when you are not able to be here.
Associate Nurse
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A staff nurse that will be the first choice to care for your baby when your primary nurse is not available.
Unit Secretary
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The first people that will greet you when you enter the NICU. They keep the unit running smoothly and can be a great source of information if you have general questions about the NICU or St. Joe’s.
Respiratory Therapist (res-pih-rah-tor-ee ther-ah-pist)
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A specialist trained to help with managing your baby’s breathing needs.
Social Worker
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A specialist who gives support and helps with problem solving challenges created by your baby being in the hospital. They make referrals to community agencies and arrange for special care and equipment that you may need at home after your baby goes home. They are here to talk with you about insurance, follow up care or other needs.
Pharmacist (farm-uh-sist)
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A specialist who orders medicine and IV fluids for babies in the NICU.
Neonatal Dietitian (nee-oh-nay-tuhl die-uh-tih-shun)
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A specialist in nutrition and the growth of premature and sick newborns.
Occupational Therapist (ock-you-pay-shun-uhl ther-ah-pist)
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A specialist in infant development, positioning, movement and feeding problems.
Lactation Consultant (lack-tay-shun con-suhl-tent)
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A registered nurse who has special training to help promote breast milk production and breastfeeding.
Nutrition Technician (milk tek-nih-shun)
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A trained staff member who prepares infant feedings. They add nutrition and calories to breast milk when infants require extra nutrition to help them grow. They also prepare formula feedings. Feedings are placed into pre-measured containers and delivered to the refrigerator in your baby’s room.
Chaplain (chap-lin)
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A specialist who focuses on the spiritual health of our families and staff in the hospital. They support people of all faiths and spiritual traditions. They are available to talk with, and/or provide specific faith services (i.e. prayer, baptism, blessings).
NICU Volunteer (vol-un-teer)
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A specially trained that helps our NICU team with stocking and cleaning. They also help to provide developmentally appropriate stimulation, like reading, and holding stable babies who need love and attention when family members are not present.
You will see many other people in the NICU – for example people who take X-rays or ultrasounds, and housekeepers. If you have any questions about someone’s role, please ask.
