Dear Parents
Your baby is being admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Nebraska
Medical Center. The NICU is a nursery equipped and staffed to take care of premature
and term infants requiring specialized care. As a parent, you have certain rights
and responsibilites reagrding 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 offering the
highest level patient care. 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 important in the life of your baby. 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 The Nebraska Medical Center Newborn Intensive Care Unit.