mgturtle

I am aware of 2 hospital grade milk warmers used in different NICU's: Medela Waterless Milk Warmer Creche Innovations Penquin Warmer Does anyone use anything different? Anything better?

BittyBabyGrower, can you tell me what feeding extension tubing you use with it's length and priming volume? The problem we had with our feeding tubing in the past is that it would clog due to the smaller intralumenal diameter compared to the larger IV tubing that we use. Thanks and do you have any similar problems with this clogging?

BittyBabyGrower, can you tell me what feeding extension tubing you use with it's length and priming volume? The problem we had with our feeding tubing in the past is that it would clog due to the smaller intralumenal diameter compared to the larger IV tubing that we use. Thanks and do you have any similar problems with this clogging?

There are 2 goals: 1. Prevent disuse atrophy of the bowel 2. Increase opportunity for intestinal absorption to decrease TPN requirements

Working in a surgical NICU we sometimes refeed the stool output from an ostomy into a mucous fistula. We currently use an IV tubing and syringe because it is a larger bore tubing than feeding extension tubing. This is a safety risk as we are using IV supplies instead of enteral supplies. We can't find alternative enteral supplies to use. Will those of you who do this practice in your facility let me know what supplies (tubing, etc.) you use? Thank you

Thanks for the replies. I should clarify that I am over Quality and it is very possible for a very good nurse to truly believe they know into what line they are administering a medication and make a mistake. So, I am not asking if it is a good idea or a basic expectation of a nurse. I know those things. I am asking does your hospital educate to this principal and hold nurses accountable to this practice meaning it is an expectation that every nurse does it every time? Thanks again for your help

I am wondering how many hospitals out there train their nurses to the expectation that you trace your IV lines every time you administer something through that line? The purpose would be to trace the line from patient to the pump or syringe to verify that you are administering the medication exactly where you intended to. Thanks

We do not deliver at our level IV NICU. We felt like it was pointless to maintain NRP certification since we never used it. We now are required to maintain PALS certification and feel that it applies to our unit much better.

We do mandatory on-call in our unit between October-April. This is mainly to cover the RSV surge that hits the rest of the hospital. Every nurse no matter how much they work is required to sign up for 1/month during this period. Honestly, most of the time we don't have to work. But it is still a pain like you mentioned to know that you might possibly have to work that night. Yes, you get all the on-call pay and call-in pay. I think it is a pretty common practice and something nurses just have to expect. Just a side note - I laughed when I read your comment about the 3 patient assignment since in our unit we never have more than 2 patients.

We change them out every 2 weeks. We just use a piece of tape with the date it needs to be changed. They make nice little signs that you can buy, but I don't think it is worth the money. There are many more important things to spend your budget on.

Many of our patients in cribs require bolus tube feedings. I have not found any good way to hang and secure a syringe attached to a feeding tube in a crib. We have devices that attach to our open warmers and isolettes that we can secure the syringe to, but we do not have anything for a crib. Is anyone aware of a device or does anyone use something that attaches to a crib that you can secure and hang a syringe to for a tube feeding?

You need to find out the source of the problem. It could be neuro, respiratory, sedation, etc. Have MRI's, bronchs, and other tests been done? I had a kid on CPAP for longer than two months. We felt like we knew what the underlying problem was. When we were able to correct that problem the kid went home on a NC. I hope that helps.

As long as they are willing to put you through a good orientation program then I say do what you are interested in. But, I agree with the others that what you need to know for the NICU you don't learn in nursing school. When I hired on to my NICU I felt like I had to go back to school for 3 months. The NICU is great, but it's not for everyone. I say if you think you have interest give it a try. It may help to post more specific questions about diagnoses, nurse patient ratios, etc. before you make any commitment.

I am sorry I meant 0.2 cc instead of 2.

Dawngloves could you tell me what brand of open warmer you use? I am assuming that the arms are made by the same manufacturer, and they might only work with that specific bed.