The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center provides comprehensive care of sick newborns. It is staffed 24 hours a day by experienced nurses, respiratory therapists and neonatal nurse practitioners. All care is supervised by board-certified Neonatologists.
NICUs are special nurseries designed to take care of infants who are considered to be high risk due to either their premature birth or to particular illnesses they have.
Nurseries are often classified by the level of care they are equipped and certified to provide. The healthiest infants are cared for in Level I units. While being equipped to provide continuing care for healthy newborns, staff members are also trained to resuscitate and stabilize sick infants for transfer to nurseries that provide for more complicated care.
Moderately sick infants are cared for in Level II units, which also provide services as in a Level I nursery. Level III nurseries (NICUs) are equipped to provide comprehensive care to the sickest of newborns. This is the level of care provided at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. In addition to direct patient care, Level III units participate in research and educational activities. New technologies developed for newborn care are usually initially evaluated in Level III units.
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stands as the highest level of neonatal care in the region, serving as a dedicated partner in offering comprehensive care to newborns who require specialized medical attention and monitoring due to various medical conditions or challenges. In the NICU, our team of doctors and nurses provides extraordinary care for newborns who may be very small, have breathing difficulties, or face other health concerns, all with the goal of aiding their recovery and growth.
Our Approach to NICU Care
We understand the critical importance of providing top-notch care for the most fragile members of our community. Our Level III NICU has a dedicated 44-bed facility, offering 21 intensive-care beds and an adjoining 23-bed Intermediate Care Unit. This exceptional level of care ensures that we can meet the unique needs of each newborn, no matter how complex their medical requirements.
Your Care Team
The NICU team are not just healthcare providers – we're your partner in giving your newborn the best possible start in life. Your child's health and well-being are our top priorities, and we're here to provide the advanced care, compassion, and support you need during this challenging time.
Your care team may include:
- Neonatologists
- Neonatal nurse practitioners
- Respiratory therapists
- NICU nurses
Neonatologists: Pediatricians who have done additional training of 2-3 years to specialize in the care of premature and ill newborns. There are full-time Neonatologists at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center who care for infants in the NICU. These Neonatologists are board-certified, indicating that they have completed approved training programs and passed the certifying examinations.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners: These highly experienced "physician extenders" play a crucial role in delivering day-to-day care to sick and convalescing infants, ensuring that your child receives the personalized attention they need.
Respiratory Therapists: Our team of respiratory therapists is skilled in managing newborns with breathing problems, providing essential support to help your baby thrive.
NICU Nurses: Our NICU nurses are a special group of healthcare professionals who have received specialized training to care for critically ill infants and their families. They are here to offer comfort, support, and expert care when you need it most.
