Download neonatal intensive care unit (nicu)

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU)
GOALS of NICU Clinical Experience:
1. Demonstrate critical thinking abilities in synthesizing and applying knowledge of neonates in maternal/infant
health nursing.
2. Discuss and apply the nursing process in conjunction with Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns to neonates who
suffer from a variety of acute and chronic disease states.
3. Identify and describe physical assessment norms for neonates and to recognize signs and symptoms of
deviations from normal.
4. Establish priorities of care and develop expected outcomes to maintain health or meet health alterations of
neonates, respecting the attitudes, values, and behaviors related to child-bearing families.
5. Identify nursing interventions in the NICU and validate their effectiveness in restoring optimal health.
DAILY TASK LIST
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Do initial 2 MINUTE SCRUB on entering unit and don a gown. INFECTION CONTROL is
CRUCIAL. You will be expected to act responsibly and professionally regarding the heightened infection
control measures expected in this area of care. ANY STUDENT not strictly following hand hygiene
protocols will be asked to leave NICU and will receive a reduction in clinical grade.
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Receive RN assignment from Ms. Hartman. Introduce yourself to RN and listen to report.
You are to stay with that RN and that RN’s patient assignment. DO NOT wander around touching
other babies, unless specifically asked to by a unit RN.
Strict hand washing between patients must be adhered to. Alcohol gel should be used before
donning and after removing gloves EVERY TIME.
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Identify the baby on which you will focus (choose one for primary focus). Ask your RN or Ms. Hartman
for guidance, if necessary.
Observe (participate in, if appropriate) initial shift assessment of baby and environmental checks.
Review the “daily care” sheet on baby at bedside for medications, feedings, treatments/labs ordered, etc.
Review white binder at bedside with previous shift’s flow sheets and Family Care Plan section.
Review complete chart in at nurses’ station. Review infant history and maternal history if available (ie:
maternal prenatal labs, obstetrical history and complications of pregnancy, labor or delivery, mode of
delivery, EDC of mother & gestational age of baby at birth.)
Prenatal lab values: H & H, Blood ABO type and RH, Antibody Screen, RPR/VDRL, Rubella titer,
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Group Beta Strep (GBS).
Research admitting diagnosis/complications your focus baby is experiencing. Reference books are in
cabinet above sink in nurses’ station.
Review MD orders and treatments/procedures.
Ask your RN or Ms. Hartman to access focus baby’s labs in Meditech.
Research medications baby is on. Common NICU meds:
o Ampicillin, gentamycin, cefotan, vancomycin, erythromycin, Epinephrine, Dopamine, Reglan,
Aminophylline, Indocin, Fentanyl, Curosurf (surfactant), spirolactone, lasix, epogen, diuril,
phenobarbitol, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E,
o Poly Vi Sol, Iron, Folic Acid
Plan care for your one focus patient (Clinical Prep Guide) to hand in at post conference.
Be prepared to report on your baby in post conference.
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