GrowingBabies

Latest Activity

1. Heparin Locks/Flushes

   GrowingBabies replied to salaw's topic in NICU

   Anyone have any leads to good research regarding heparin vs. saline flushes in neonates?

2. Heparin Locks/Flushes

   GrowingBabies replied to salaw's topic in NICU

   We do run KVO rates on the main line but not to the other ports. MDs discretion? I've not seen extra fluids run to ports used intermittently.

3. Heparin Locks/Flushes

   GrowingBabies replied to salaw's topic in NICU

   We heplock PIVs and hep flush all lumens on UVCs and PICCs that do not have a continuous infusion.

4. use of diapers during phototherapy

   GrowingBabies replied to al.ghada68's topic in NICU

   I use the diaper on larger babies and fold it down to expose more skin. We also have snugglys that are made to use with phototherapy, very nice developmental tool! For a micro preemie that doesn't move much, or a sedated baby, I will often leave the ...

5. Depression and anxiety in the NICU

   GrowingBabies replied to hClickRN's topic in NICU

   We have a peer support group in our unit for handling sad situations. It helps alot to be able to discuss it with people who "know". Definitely consider counseling!

6. Developmental care

   GrowingBabies replied to sofiam's topic in NICU

   We have a great developmental team (st/pt/OT) who evaluate all premature infants and most of our term kids per MD order (it's included on admit orders). They make up signs at individual babies bedside for feeding (which nipple and position to feed b...

7. Crib Cards & HIPPA - researching policies

   GrowingBabies replied to DonnaH123's topic in HIPAA

   Level III NICU, our crib cards are just "crafty" ones the nurses or secretaries make unique for each baby with scrapbook paper & stickers, markers, etc. Parents love it as it individualizes the babies. I've even had some parents ask if they can m...

8. Oral feeding on nasal CPAP??

   GrowingBabies replied to Carmen Huston's topic in NICU

   No nipple feeds for cpap kids in our unit, the risk is too great. Sometimes we nipple H3F babies depending on the case. Very frequently feed babies on a regular cannula. As always, we have to watch kids closely before PO feeds and often do not offer...

9. Best way to clean your shoes?

   GrowingBabies replied to emptyboxcars's topic in Uniform/Gear

   Leave a change at work (or in the car) to wear only at work! I like white & that way they stay looking pretty sharp for work! I also don't like the idea of taking "bugs" in or out with me if I can help it!

10. Changing out isolettes

    GrowingBabies replied to ccnicurn's topic in NICU

    Changed q7days with or without humidity. I spot clean them some if they start looking gross before time to change. Everything in the isolette is changed q24hrs on night shift. The date for changes is on the kardex, but I like the idea of placing it...

11. Current Method of Gavage Syringe Warming

    GrowingBabies replied to faitdog's topic in NICU

    Penguin warmers and love them! Also will use 1L graduate container with lukewarm water and place capped syringe in, or some RNs will place capped syringe in a glove or ziploc baggie and place the waterbath. Graduates are changed weekly.

12. NICU Swings Policies

    GrowingBabies replied to charryse77's topic in NICU

    We use swings and bouncers, but not made for hospital use but are supplied by the hospital. Send covers through laundry with other "NICU only" things...certain blankets, snugglies, bendy covers, isolette covers, etc. For chronic kids sometimes parent...

13. checking residuals

    GrowingBabies replied to Hannahrn's topic in NICU

    We check residuals prior to all feedings regardless of whether baby will PO or gavage feed. I like to do it as part of verifying tube placement. We monitor color, amount, if it appears to be digested and alert physician of any abnormalities (blood, ...

14. Oral dextrose water

    GrowingBabies replied to NurseAnt's topic in NICU

    Same here! Except for feeding! I've not seen it used for testing feeds, but can't say it doesn't happen!

15. Stimulation for older babies?

    GrowingBabies replied to NICU_Nurse's topic in NICU

    We use mirrors, smaller toys to grasp, mobiles. Therapy team brings in special seats, swings, bouncers, mats, etc. Encourage parents to be there regularly for cares & play! Also try to keep those babies in "lighter" assignments so they can get...