When your newborn is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), it can be a time filled with uncertainty, stress, and worry. As a parent, one of the most important ways to support your baby during this challenging time is by actively participating in NICU rounds.
Understanding NICU rounds, why they’re essential, and how you can be involved will help you feel more confident and empowered as you navigate your baby’s care. This guide will walk you through everything you need about NICU rounds, including how to prepare, what to expect, and the benefits of being an informed and engaged parent.
NICU Rounds: What They Are and Why They Matter
NICU rounds are a cornerstone of the care provided to babies. They are daily or twice-daily meetings where the medical team discusses each baby’s condition and care plan. These rounds ensure all aspects of a baby’s health are monitored and managed.
During NICU rounds, the medical team reviews vital signs, lab results, and changes in the baby’s condition. They also discuss ongoing treatments and adjustments needed and plan the next steps in care.
The Multidisciplinary Team in NICU Rounds
NICU care is a team effort, involving healthcare professionals, each bringing their expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for your baby. Here are some of the key players involved in NICU rounds:
- Neonatologist: The lead doctor in the NICU, the specialist in caring of premature and critically ill newborns. During rounds, they lead the discussion, making key decisions about the baby’s treatment plan.
- Nurses: They provide round-the-clock care for your baby, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and offering comfort and care. During rounds, the nurse assigned to your baby will report on how your baby is doing, noting any changes since the last round.
- Respiratory Therapists: Babies in the NICU need help to breathe, whether through oxygen, ventilators, or other respiratory support. Respiratory therapists are specialists who manage and adjust these therapies to ensure your baby’s breathing as well as possible.
- Pharmacists: They manage medications, ensuring all are given to your baby in the correct doses and preventing potential side effects or drug interactions.
- Social Workers: The NICU experience is emotionally overwhelming. Social workers provide emotional support, help you navigate the healthcare system, and connect you with resources.
- Dietitians: Nutrition is critical for the growth and development of newborns, especially those in the NICU. Dietitians in the NICU ensure your baby receives the right nutrients through breast milk, formula, or intravenous feeding.
- Physical and Occupational Therapists: These therapists help with your baby’s physical development, particularly those who have been in the NICU for a prolonged period. They work on feeding, movement, and other developmental milestones.
Why Parent Participation in NICU Rounds Is Crucial
As a parent, your involvement in NICU rounds is more than a formality. It’s an opportunity to be active in your baby’s care. Here’s why your participation is important:
Gaining Insight into Your Baby’s Condition
When you attend NICU rounds, you hear firsthand from the medical team about your baby’s condition. This direct communication helps you understand what’s happening with your baby and why certain treatments are being used. This makes you feel more connected to your baby’s care and better equipped to make informed decisions.
Developing a Collaborative Relationship with the Care Team
NICU rounds are an excellent opportunity to build a collaborative relationship with the medical team. This collaboration ensures everyone involved in your baby’s care is on the same page. When you attend rounds, you become a familiar and integral part of the team, which enhances communication and trust.
Advocating for Your Baby’s Needs
You are your baby’s best advocate. Being present during rounds, you ask questions, express concerns, and ensure your baby’s care aligns with your values and expectations. If something doesn’t feel right or you have a specific concern, voice it and ensure it’s addressed.
Alleviating Some of the Anxiety of the NICU Experience
The NICU is a highly stressful environment and overwhelming. However, being involved in rounds reduces anxiety. When you understand what’s happening, ask questions, and get answers, you feel more in control and less anxious about the unknown.
Preparing for NICU Rounds: Steps to Take Beforehand
Preparation is key to getting the most out of NICU rounds. Here are some steps to ensure you’re ready to participate effectively:
1. Know the Schedule
NICU rounds typically happen at the same time each day. Ask the nursing staff when rounds are scheduled for your baby’s room, so you can plan to be present. If you cannot attend in person, inquire about participating via phone or video call. Many NICUs offer virtual participation options, which is helpful if you need to juggle other responsibilities.
2. Keep a Notebook for Questions and Observations
Throughout the day, you have questions or notice things about your baby that you want to bring up during rounds. Keep a notebook or use a notes app on your phone to organize your thoughts so you don’t forget anything important. Jot down questions as they come, and review them before rounds so you’re ready to engage.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Basic Medical Terminology
Medical jargon can be confusing, especially when new to the NICU environment. While you don’t need to become an expert, familiarizing yourself with some common terms helps you follow the conversation more easily.
For example, understanding terms like “CPAP” (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), “bilirubin” (a substance that can cause jaundice), and “PDA” (Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a heart condition) makes it easier to keep up with discussions.
4. Take Time to Process Your Emotions
The NICU is an emotional rollercoaster. acknowledge your feelings and take care of your emotional well-being. Before rounds, find a quiet moment to breathe deeply and center yourself. It’s fine to feel varied emotions; the medical team understands this. If you’re particularly emotional, let the team know—they are there to support you.
What Happens During NICU Rounds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the structure of NICU rounds helps you feel prepared and less anxious. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what typically happens during these daily meetings:
1. The Team Assembles: NICU rounds start with the entire care team gathering at your baby’s bedside. The team members introduce themselves if you’re new to the process. This is your chance to meet everyone involved in your baby’s care and put faces to the names you’ve heard.
2. Review of Your Baby’s Status: The round begins with a review of your baby’s current status, including vital signs like heart rate, breathing rate, oxygen levels, and temperature. The nurse assigned presents this information and observations about how your baby has been doing since the last round.
3. Assessment of Lab Results and Diagnostic Tests: The team will then discuss lab results or diagnostic tests that have been completed. This includes blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasounds, or other tests that provide insight into your baby’s health. The neonatologist interprets these results and explains what they mean for your baby’s care.
4. Discussion of the Current Treatment Plan: Next, the team will review the current treatment plan. This includes medications received, respiratory support, nutrition (feeding tubes, breast milk, or formula), and other interventions. The team will discuss whether the current plan works, the adjustments needed, and the goals for the next 24 hours.
5. Family Involvement and Questions: This is your time to ask questions, share observations, and voice concerns. Don’t hesitate to speak up—your input is invaluable. For example, if you’ve noticed changes in your baby’s behavior or feeding or are worried about a particular aspect of their care, this is the time to bring it up.
6. Planning the Next Steps: The round typically concludes with the next steps in your baby’s care. This includes plans for upcoming tests, changes in medication, adjustments to feeding protocols, or discussions about potential discharge if your baby is nearing the end of their NICU stay.
7. Documentation and Orders: Finally, the team will document the decisions made during the round and enter any new orders into your baby’s medical record. This ensures that all team members are updated on the care plan and everything discussed during the round is implemented.
Tips for Effective Communication During NICU Rounds
Communication is key when it comes to participating in NICU rounds. Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively with the medical team:
- Be Direct and Specific: Try to be as direct and specific as possible. Instead of saying, “I’m worried,” try to pinpoint what exactly is worrying you, such as, “I’m concerned about the amount of oxygen my baby is receiving.”
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Asking open-ended questions leads to more detailed and informative answers. For example, instead of asking, “Is my baby okay?” you might ask, “Can you explain what the lab results mean for my baby’s treatment?” This encourages the team to provide more in-depth information.
- Request Clarifications When Needed: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the medical information being discussed. If something isn’t clear, ask for clarification. The medical team ensures you understand everything that’s happening.
- Express Your Emotions and Concerns: If you’re scared, anxious, or overwhelmed, it’s fine to express those feelings. The NICU staff understands this is a difficult time and supports you emotionally and medically. For example, you might say, “I’m feeling anxious about the upcoming surgery—can you walk me through what to expect?”
- Take Notes and Review Them Later: Taking notes during rounds helps you remember what was discussed, especially if information is covered. Reviewing your notes later helps process the information and additional questions for the next round.
- Follow Up on Unresolved Issues: If there are unresolved issues or you think of new questions after the round, follow up with the nurse or request a meeting with the neonatologist. Your involvement in your baby’s care is ongoing; be informed and confident.
Addressing Common Concerns About NICU Rounds
It’s natural to have concerns about participating in NICU rounds, especially if you’re new to the experience. Here are some common concerns and how to address them:
- Feeling Overwhelmed by Medical Terminology: The language used in the NICU is overwhelming, especially if it’s medical jargon. It’s fine to ask for explanations. The medical team is used to breaking down complex terms for parents and appreciates your desire to understand.
- Worrying About Asking “Stupid” Questions: There’s no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to your baby’s health. The medical team expects parents to ask questions and understands that learning as you go. If something is on your mind, it’s important to ask.
- Fear of Being a Disruption: Some parents worry they might disrupt the medical team or slow the rounds by asking too many questions. However, your presence and involvement are valued and encouraged. The medical team wants you to be informed and involved in your baby’s care.
- Concern About Handling Emotional Reactions: It’s normal to feel emotional in the NICU, whether it’s anxiety, sadness, or relief. If you’re overwhelmed, take a moment for yourself or ask for support. The medical team understands the emotional toll of having a baby in the NICU.
- Balancing NICU Time with Other Responsibilities: If you have other children, work, or other responsibilities, it isn’t easy to attend NICU rounds. If you can’t be there in person, ask about participating via phone or video call.
Embrace Your Role in NICU Rounds
Participating in NICU rounds is one of the most important ways to support your baby during their time in the NICU. By actively engaging in the care process, you contribute to your baby’s well-being and empower yourself as a parent.
The medical team supports you, and your involvement ensures your baby receives the best possible care. Whether you’re new to the NICU or have been there for a while, embracing your role in rounds makes a difference in your experience and your baby’s care.
We at Omega Pediatrics have a wealth of resources to provide further insights on newborn care. Check out these articles:
