How often do you "care" for your nicu babies?

[1/4lberrnc]

I have recently started a new job, after the hospital I was happily working at closed our OB/NICU department to make more telemetry beds. At the NICU that I am leaving we did every 4 hour care (ie VS, full assessment and feeding etc...) and our care times were staggered (9-1-5/ 8-12-4/ 10-2-6). At my new hospital it is every 3 hours but staggered also. The hospital that I trained at before going to the hospital that is now closing did every 3 hour care but at set times for every baby (3-6-9-12). How does your NICU "care" for their babies? I would like to know the pros/cons too. Thanks you in advance for your input.

[lovemyjob]

I agree Gompers, I have put a screamer ina swing, got him to sleep and didnt touvh him for 8 hours until he woke on his own. Poor thing doesnt get any sleep (gut kid) so I am not about to disturbe him when he finally does. That is what I really like about q12 hands on vitals. If they are getting fed via NG/OG I can let them sleep as long as they want.

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

preface with disclaimer that I was only in the NICU for ten weeks, and therefore experience is limited

BP q12, also Dstix q12 if they're on TPN, or some other reason they need it

Feeds q3, along with temp and diaper. Feeds are NOT staggered. 8, 11, 2, 5

I had one kid on q4 feeds, she was a big'un

If the kid is generally stable but cranky, we don't always bug them at each feed for temp & diaper. Don't wanna wake up the kid that's been screaming for 2 1/2 hours and fell asleep right before this last care. Only if they're on tube feeds, of course. We don't skip feedings.