People You May See in the NICU

Your baby is in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) to receive special medical care. Many people may be involved in your baby’s care during his or her stay in the NICU.

NICU staff have the experience and training to care for newborns with medical problems.

Regular Staff

• Pediatrician: A doctor who specializes in treating babies and children.

• Neonatologist: A pediatrician who specializes in treating sick newborn babies.

• Neonatal fellow: A pediatrician who is getting extra training to become a neonatologist.

• Resident: A doctor training in newborn intensive care.

• PA (physician assistant) and NP (nurse practitioner): Professionals trained to do many of the same tasks as doctors.

• RN (registered nurse): A professional who gives bedside nursing care and supervises other nurses.

• LVN (licensed vocational nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse): A nurse who provides care with RN supervision.

• Social worker: A professional who helps with non-medical issues, such as insurance, transportation, and emotional support.

• Respiratory therapist: A professional who manages oxygen and other breathing therapies.

• Lactation specialist: A professional who helps mothers and babies with breastfeeding and related concerns.

• Physical therapist: A professional who evaluates and treats problems with physical and muscular development.

Specialists

Each of these doctors specializes in a different body system or part of the body:

• Cardiologist: the heart

• Endocrinologist: glands and hormones

• Gastroenterologist: the digestive system

• Geneticist: genetic (inherited) conditions

• Hematologist: blood

• Nephrologist: kidneys

• Neurologist: the brain and nervous system

• Ophthalmologist: eyes

• Pulmonologist: lungs