Good Samaritan Hospital’s state-of-the-art Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides tender, patient-centered care for newborns who require extra attention. Our 60-bed unit’s focus is stabilization for babies born early or with medical problems, and the ongoing care of critically ill babies.
Family-Centered Care
We encourage you and your family to become involved in your baby’s care, every step of the way, which means you are always welcome. We also invite you to participate in morning rounds, during which, our multidisciplinary team discusses your baby’s plan of care.
Daily Activity and Visitation Guidelines
- Visitation: Parents and grandparents are welcome at any time. Check with your baby's nurse about sibling visitation. Other visitors are welcome during hospital visiting hours and must be with the baby’s parents.
- Nursing Shift Change: Shift change occurs 7-7:30 a.m. and 7-7:30 p.m. During this time the nurse talks about the care of your baby with the nurse from the shift before.
- Feeding Times: Babies are fed every 3 hours. for a total of 8 feedings a day. Talk to your nurse about your baby’s schedule.
- Bathing: Your baby is bathed twice weekly. Talk to your nurse about your baby’s schedule.
- Identification: Parents must provide the ID band number when calling for information or when entering the NICU. Grandparents will also need the ID band number to visit without the baby's parent..At the time of your baby's discharge, you must show your hospital ID bracelet. You may be asked to furnish identification at any time.
- Medical Team Rounds: The health care team meets daily at each baby’s bedside between 8a.m.-12n. You are welcome to be at your baby’s bedside during rounds for updates on your baby’s condition and to discuss the plan of care for the day.
- Cell Phones: Cell phones are allowed in the NICU but must be in 'airplane' mode, Limit use to photos and email/text. Please use the family lounge for phone calls. Don't forget to wash your hands after using your cell phone..
- Research Opportunities: Our commitment to improving the lives of premature infants means we have a number of research opportunities available to you. Studies show that units involved in research have improved outcomes.
One Step Closer to Home
When your baby is medically stable and no longer needs Level III NICU care, a plan for transfer to a Level II Nursery closest to your home will be made to help keep bed space available for the sickest newborns. The Level ll nursery can provide the quiet and calm environment important for development as your baby grows and matures. If transfer is appropriate for your baby, the transfer procedure will be discussed and written consent for transfer will be obtained from you.
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