The neonatal intensive care unit is a place where the most vulnerable infants are cared for around the clock. All measures to insure their health and well-being must be implemented at all times. What may present as a minor illness to some can have devastating effects on an infants immune system, which is not fully developed. Specific visitation guidelines are imperative in keeping babies protected from any outside dangers. Visitors must always follow these guidelines and receive proper education on the reasoning for these procedures and the potential consequences of not abiding. A qualified staff member must screen all visitors for signs of illness before entering the neonatal intensive care unit. Young children can present a significant risk
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These guidelines are to be strongly enforced and updated as needed. They apply to all visitors of infants that are admitted or transitioning into the NICU. Before entering the NICU all visitors will be screened for visible signs of illness including childhood contagious illness, weeping cold sores, diarrhea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat and sneezing. Visiting adolescents and children must be siblings of the infant to avoid unnecessary exposures. Up-to-date immunization cards must also be present upon each visit. During the instance of an imminent breakout of any contagious illness in the area (measles, pertussis, etc.), no children under the age of fourteen will be permitted into the NICU until further notice. After receiving screening and presenting proper documentation, visitors must wash their hands properly and apply any necessary safeguards such as masks and isolation gowns. Siblings between 5-13 years of age will only be allowed to visit on the weekends from 1300-1700 and visits must not exceed an hour. Flu season restrictions will also apply to this age range. Siblings 14 years and old can visit year round. Neonatal intensive care unit staff members must keep a strict eye on all visitors at all times. Due to the sensitivity of this unit, the appropriate restrictions are necessary for the safety of its
These guidelines are to be strongly enforced and updated as needed. They apply to all visitors of infants that are admitted or transitioning into the NICU. Before entering the NICU all visitors will be screened for visible signs of illness including childhood contagious illness, weeping cold sores, diarrhea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat and sneezing. Visiting adolescents and children must be siblings of the infant to avoid unnecessary exposures. Up-to-date immunization cards must also be present upon each visit. During the instance of an imminent breakout of any contagious illness in the area (measles, pertussis, etc.), no children under the age of fourteen will be permitted into the NICU until further notice. After receiving screening and presenting proper documentation, visitors must wash their hands properly and apply any necessary safeguards such as masks and isolation gowns. Siblings between 5-13 years of age will only be allowed to visit on the weekends from 1300-1700 and visits must not exceed an hour. Flu season restrictions will also apply to this age range. Siblings 14 years and old can visit year round. Neonatal intensive care unit staff members must keep a strict eye on all visitors at all times. Due to the sensitivity of this unit, the appropriate restrictions are necessary for the safety of its