[Tiki_Torch]

My old hospital had a policy of having wall suction (with a canister and tubing) hooked up and ready to use in an emergency for each and every NICU baby in our unit... didn't matter whether they were on vents or feeders-n-growers on room air. Each baby had their own bulb syringe too.

My new hospital doesn't hook up suction unless the baby is on a vent. If the baby needs constant or intermittent suction then of course the wall suction is hooked up. All babies have a bulb suction in their bed though.

I guess because of my original learning experience I'm feeling a bit anxious about not having suction available in an emergency.

So, I'm wondering what your unit's policy is concerning bedside suction and would welcome any words of advice or other thoughts you have on your mind. Thanks in advance.

Along with a bulb syringe in the bed, does your unit have suction tubing and canisters hooked up to wall suction on EVERY baby ready for emergency use?

[Jolie]

Yes, we had a working suction unit at each and every bedside. It was checked and documented at the beginning of each shift.

[fergus51]

Same here. We don't have bulbs at the bed anymore.

[dawngloves]

Same here. All babies have a suction set up.

[nicudaynurse]

Same as Jolie

[Tiki_Torch]

You all are absolutely the BEST cyberbuddies ever!!!

I know there have only been a few replies so far but it looks like your answers are confirming my suspicions. I've only worked at one other NICU which was a Level III 26 bed unit. My new hospital is a Level III 16 bed unit with an average census of 8-10.

I can bet I've got a lot to learn about how this new place does things!!! Today was my first day on the job and was a real awakening as to how different two NICUs can be. I'm doing my best not to say things like, "Where I worked before we yada-yada in a different way." because I know that will only make it more difficult for me to fit in and be a part of their team.

If anyone has any suggestions about how to transition yourself to another hospital, I'd be incredibly grateful.

Thanks again so very much for the quick responses tonight! I look forward to seeing what other nurses have to say about how they deal with suction set up parameters at their hospitals.

Thanks again so very much!!!