NICU

The term "neonatal" typically refers to the first 28 days of your child's life. Some newborns in this stage may require advanced care to develop further and grow strong before going home.

The average stay of a baby in the NICU is about 21 days, but extremely low birth-weight babies could stay for three to four months, or even longer.

The NICU cares for about a thousand babies a year. More than 100 of those babies come in with very low birth-weights that are less than three pounds.

Risk factors that can necessitate NICU care include:

• Premature babies born at 37 weeks gestation or younger
• Low birth weight, typically less than five pounds

The length of a NICU stay depends on your child's condition.

One way we provide comprehensive care for your newborn is by involving resources from other specialty areas in our hospital, including neurology and cardiology. Our skilled doctors, nurses and trained pediatric pharmacists perform important tasks, such as placing specialized IV lines and responding to high risk labor and deliveries. We specialize in measures that bring the highest levels of care and support to vulnerable infants, including:

• Beds designed to safely monitor babies in a safe and stable setting necessary for high-risk infants
• Nitric oxide treatment
• High-frequency ventilation
• Cardiac surgery
• Neurosurgical procedures
• Treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) conditions
• Critical care transport team
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Neonatal neuro protective program

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) describes brain damage resulting from a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain, typically occurring during or just before, birth. This life-threatening condition can cause serious or permanent brain damage to infants.

We perform therapeutic hypothermia which lowers the affected child's temperature to 92.3 degrees Fahrenheit for about 72 hours. Therapeutic hypothermia is currently the only treatment available that may improve long-term outcomes for babies who develop HIE.

The treatment must be administered within six hours of birth. If we determine that the procedure is necessary for your newborn, our neonatologists will work with your obstetrician to start treatment. Our neonatology team also collaborates with local obstetricians to ensure that your child meets treatment criteria. Once qualified, our critical care transport team arranges prompt transport to our facility.

To speak with a specialist about our neonatal neuro protective program, call us at (800) 543-7425 (KID SICK).

Pediatric cardiology program

We work with pediatric cardiology specialists to provide family-centered care to newborns. Our team realizes that children come in all shapes and sizes, so we offer "right-sized" heart care featuring the equipment, resources and specialists recommended to meet your baby's individual needs. Taking good care of your child is "at the heart" of everything we do.

Call us at (702) 961-5021 to speak with a cardiologist or get a second opinion.

ECMO

Our unit was among the first in Nevada to offer ECMO for newborns less than four weeks old. This potentially life-saving technique mimics the natural function of your child's heart and lungs, allowing them to rest while natural healing of the affected organs takes place. It is used for newborns suffering respiratory or cardiac failure as a result of birth defects, trauma or a severe infection. We give ECMO to children in our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), as well.

Critical care transport team

We can transport your child via ambulance, helicopter or airplane to receive a higher level of care. Our dedicated transport team is available at a moment's notice for babies who are in critical condition.

Recognizing that having a child in the NICU may be stressful, our hospital offers support and resources to make it easier on you and your family. They include child safety education, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and sibling education.

Neonatal sibling visitation

We give you access to child life experts who facilitate visits for children between 5 and 12 years old with siblings in the NICU. This visit prepares siblings for what they may see and what they should do. Your children will learn about associated equipment, handwashing and how to properly put on a mask and gown.

At least 48 hours prior to your desired visit time, please call the child life office at (702) 961-7782 to schedule an appointment. Please bring a copy of your children's communication records. This is a requirement for entering the NICU.

Social work services

Our hospital offers dedicated neonatal social workers to help you navigate this time. Family-centered services available to your baby and the rest of your family include assessments with referrals to appropriate resources, crisis intervention and support, assistance with applicable financial programs and bereavement support.

Ronald McDonald Family Room

Families who have a baby in our NICU get access to the Ronald McDonald Family Room. This special amenity features accommodations and resources to help support you during this process. Located right inside the hospital, the Ronald McDonald Family Room offers the following services: