
Our 48 bed open bay unit has always used homemade double-layer fleece covers over our isolettes/giraffes to protect infant's from light and to decrease noise. We will shortly be moving to a new unit with all private rooms and some question whether covers will still be needed. A recent Neonatal Network article addressing noise in the NICU (May/June 2009) states that "noise levels in blanket covered incubators were significantly lower, an average of 4.8 dB, which is clearly perceptible." Even though private rooms are quieter, there will still be alarms, vent noise, and staff/family conversation. We have not had any incidents of lines bleeding out, however a couple of our NNP's felt some infant's had extubated because they were not visual to the nurse caring for them. In these cases, better developmental positioning along with proper sedation would have solved the problem.
I would appreciate hearing from all of you who practice in NICU's with great developmental care whether you cover or not, your rationale, and what type of unit you work in.
Nursing News