A Letter to NICU Parents

Dear Parents,

Your baby is being admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Nebraska Medicine. The NICU is a nursery equipped and staffed to take care of infants requiring specialized care. As a parent, you have certain rights and responsibilities regarding your baby's care. Patient's Rights handbooks are located throughout the nursery. You are encouraged to review the information in the handbook. If you are unable to locate a handbook, ask your baby's nurse for assistance.

Your baby will be cared for by a team of doctors, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and other specialists. Our NICU is a Level III nursery. The health-care professionals caring for your baby will review the plan of care with you on a daily basis and answer any questions you may have regarding your baby's condition.

Even at the earliest stages, you are an important part of your babies life. Babies use a special language to communicate long before they can speak words. They learn about their environment and people by being touched, hearing voices, and looking at faces. Visiting and touching your baby as soon as possible are important.

Remember, what ever the circumstances, this is your baby and there are some things only you as parents can provide.

Being separated from your baby soon after delivery can be extremely difficult. We encourage you to take an active role during your baby's stay in the NICU. We are here to provide you and your baby with the best care possible and hope this stressful time in your life may also be one of joy.

Sincerely,

The Staff of Nebraska Medicine Newborn Intensive Care Unit

 

Nebraska Medicine's Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been providing specialized care to infants and their families since 1968.