NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU)

Shaista Mir*

ABSTRACT

NICU is a very specialized unit where critically ill neonates are cared to reduce the neonatal morbidity and mortality. NICU is also considered synonymous with providing advanced life support (ALS) to critically sick babies with multisystem organ dysfunction. Those who weigh <1500 gms or <32 weeks of gestation.3-5% of newborns would need these services depending upon conditions. The first American newborn intensive care unit, designed by Louis Gluck, was opened in October 1960 at Yale New Haven Hospital. NICU is typically directed by one or more neonatologists and staffed by resident physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, and dietitians. Many other ancillary disciplines and specialists are available at larger units. The term neonatal comes from neo, "new", and natal, "pertaining to birth or origin".

Keywords: NICU, Admission, Goals, Facilities, Staffing.