Continuous, on-site care from pediatric medical and pediatric surgery subspecialists, such as children’s heart, brain and breathing specialists.Level IV NICUs provide the same services as a Level III NICU and: These facilities have all the capabilities of a Level III NICU, plus they employ more experienced staff with 24/7 access to medical and surgical specialists who care only for children. These facilities are equipped to care for the most complex neonatal conditions and the sickest and smallest newborns, no matter their gestational age at birth. Level IV (four) NICUs offer the highest level of medical care for newborns and premature infants available. Have quick access to specialized newborn services including surgery, advanced breathing support, specialized monitoring equipment, and nutrition, pharmacy and imaging servicesĪt Children’s Hospital Colorado, our hospital in Colorado Springs features a Level III NICU with 50 critical care beds, specialized rooms for twins and triplets and much more.Be able to provide life support for as long as needed.Have neonatal and pediatric subspecialists available promptly, 24/7 (though not necessarily on-site).Have significant clinical experience demonstrated by large patient volumes and complexity of care.Babies with medical or surgical conditions, regardless of age.Preterm infants born before 32 weeks or who weigh less that 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds) at birth.Level III (three) NICUs provide critical care for babies born before 32 weeks’ gestation or babies with specific medical conditions that require surgery or other specialized pediatric care.Ī hospital with a Level III NICU is equipped to care for: Medical staff who are available continuously for ongoing care and in case of emergencies and have special training in neonatal (newborn) careīabies who cannot breathe on their own 24 hours after birth should be transferred to a higher level of care. ![]() ![]() Some specialized equipment, for example a portable X-ray machine and blood gas analyzer.Assisted or mechanical ventilation (to help the patient breathe) on a short-term basis, preferably under 24 hours.Level II NICU resources and services include: Newborns whose problems are expected to resolve rapidly and are not expected to need sub-specialty level services (like a pediatric heart or breathing specialist) urgently.Babies who are full-term but who require close monitoring for issues like jaundice or trouble staying warm.Stable or moderately ill newborn infants born at or after 32 weeks’ gestation and who weigh at least 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds).These facilities are suited for babies who have moderate medical issues and are expected to recover fairly quickly.Ī hospital with a Level II NICU can care for: Level II (two) NICUs, also called special care nurseries, care for babies born at 32 to 35 weeks’ gestation. When necessary, Level I NICUs can stabilize preterm infants under 35 weeks and transfer them to a higher level NICU for more advanced care. Babies whose health is stable, meaning that they can breathe on their own, feed and maintain their body temperature.Healthy preterm babies born between 35- and 37-weeks’ gestation, and.These NICUs provide routine care for healthy preterm babies.Ī hospital with a Level I NICU is equipped to care for: Sometimes known as newborn nurseries, Level I (one) NICUs provide basic care for preterm infants (babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Below is a brief outline of the definition and capabilities of each level. You’ll want to discuss with your doctor which NICU level is best for you and your baby’s medical needs. Level IV (four) is the highest level of distinction, and Level I (one) is the lowest.īased on your baby’s needs or condition, these levels can help guide you to the appropriate facility to ensure the best care for your family. NICUs are classified based on their capabilities into levels by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Why are there different neonatal intensive care unit levels? ![]() It can feel like a lot to consider, but we’re here to help. And what if you have to plan for your baby to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)? If you have a prenatal diagnosis or want to create a baby care plan in case your baby needs a higher level of care, you might also be learning more about NICUs.īeyond that, you should know what kind of NICU is right for your baby – just in case they need it. Sleeping arrangements, feeding, car seats, daycare and pediatricians are just a few of the dozens of topics on your mind. As an expecting parent you have to make a lot of decisions.
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