Level II standards help

Published

Specializes in NICU.

I need to find some info on just exactly what a level II minimally must have. I just started in a new unit which I love because it's only 8 beds and only a few months old, but I'm noticing a lot of what I think are "must haves" to be missing. I know the hospital is tight financially, but I feel they have to provide the resources if they want the unit. They don't have premie diapers, they make do. They have no premie lancet devices. If they need a Guiac or sp. gr. it has to go to a lab. On top of this, they're pushing to make it a level III due to bed space here and have 2 level III babies they couldn't ship locally. So, anyone know where I can find guidelines for exactly what must minimally be available for a level II designation. I know where to find standards of care, but it doesn't really specify equipment / resources. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Babies, peds, pain management.

I'm not sure I can give you an official list but I can tell you what we do. We transport any surgical care newborns, any

baby needing vent support and the micro-premies ( the cut-off is not set in stone more depends on the baby and the peds comfort zone).

Things we have include radiant warmer with skin temp control, isolettes, monitors and regular pulse ox machines.

Of course, you need temp probes, infant monitor leads, and infant pulse ox probes. IV pumps capable of proving micro amounts of IV fluids at a consistent rate (i.e., 5.8 ml/hr).

Syringe pumps or the equivalent and the tubing to used with all of them. Small size IV catheters (22g-24g), orogastric tubes (5 and 8FR). Urine collection bags. Small scales to measure diaper and output. Information and teaching materials for parents. Pedi lab collection supplies

(needles, syringes, bullet tubes and blood culture bottle. We also send out guiac specimens to lab but that's a money /QA question for lab. We do have a glucometer. Respiratory equipment, ambu bags, oxyhoods, nasal cannulas, laryngscopes and blades (0 and 1 and lights), ETT (2.0 to 4.0). Different tapes for different jobs. Head covers. Formula including reg and premature, 20 and 24 cal. Medications (resuscitation, antibiotics, etc) all sized for unit dosing of the newborn population. A newborn crash cart, stocked. Reference books (esp drugs and drugs and breastfeeding).

I think that's a start. Your peds will give you ideas I'm sure.

Ours are never at a loss for more needs in the unit.

Hope this had helped, at least giving you a starting point.

BTW, where did you find a list of standards? The one thing we really don't have in supply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I found the standards doing an inernet search. http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;114/5/1341

I know what things are used in NICU, but I was looking for a minimun equipment list, i.e. you must have x,y,z to call yourself level II. Are there published standards for that? Also, I'm looking for info on standard practices such as each infant having it's own stethescope. My unit shares stethescopes and I thought this practice was abandoned in the '80's, but I don't know where to find that as an accepted standard practice. Again, I appreciate any input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Sounds like you have a big undertaking! The steth thing, some hospitals have dedicated ones, others don't, there isn't a steadfast rule on that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion