Expert Staff
YOUR BABY WILL BENEFIT FROM THESE EXPERTS

Attendings/ Neonatologists
These doctors are pediatricians who have been certified in the specialty of high-risk newborn care. While your baby is in the NICU, your pediatrician may rely on the neonatologist’s specialized knowledge and/or transfer your baby’s care to them during their stay. Attending neonatologists are in the unit or on-call at all times.

Chaplain
The Connecticut Children’s chaplain is available to you and your family during your baby’s stay in the NICU. To reach the chaplain, contact the Family Support Service Department.

Child Life Specialists
The Child Life program provides services that help make the medical experience less stressful for children and families. These include assistance with child growth and development, family dynamics and the reaction of children, including siblings, to hospitalization and illness.

Clinical Care Coordinator (CCC)
This coordinator is a registered nurse with expertise in neonatal nursing who functions as a clinical resource. The coordinator promotes family-centered care and is responsible for the continuous improvement of patient care, from pre-admission to post-discharge.

Cuddlers
These trained Connecticut Children’s volunteers are available to hold and cuddle your baby when you are unable to be in the NICU.

Developmental Specialist
This is an individual with experience and special training in newborn growth and development. This specialist can assess behavior and developmental skills; as well as teaching parents and providers how to provide developmental support for babies.

Family Support Clinician
This clinician is a licensed clinical social worker who can provide support in the areas of counseling, community resources and discharge planning.

Neonatologist (see attendings/neonatologists)

Neonatal Fellow
This doctor has finished his/her residency in pediatrics and is continuing training in the specialty of high-risk newborn care with the end goal of becoming a certified neonatologist.

Neonatal Practitioner
This registered nurse or physician assistant has had additional specialization in neonatology, which enables her/him to assess and deliver advanced nursing and medical skills necessary for the care of high-risk infants. Neonatal practitioners provide 24 hr coverage and work closely and jointly with physicians and staff nurses to meet your child’s special needs.

Nutritionist
This registered dietician has had additional specialization in the nutritional care of high risk newborns. Nutritionists plan your baby’s care with respect to growth, feeding issues and IV nutrition.

Pediatric House Staff
These doctors are interns and residents assigned to each baby. They carry out all the details of medical management, under the direction of the neonatologists and the neonatal fellow.

Private Pediatrician
This is the doctor you chose to follow your baby’s care after discharge. Many of these doctors follow their babies in the NICU and collaborate with NICU staff.

Registered nurses
The NICU nursing staff is comprised of registered nurses, (R.N.s) who have training and experience in the care of high-risk newborns. These nurses are directly involved in your baby’s care. They’ll keep you informed on your baby’s progress, provide education on topics important to your baby’s health and answer many of your questions.

Respiratory Therapist
This specialist plans and assists with the care of babies with breathing difficulties. They operate and maintain equipment as well as administer medications for breathing problems.

Unit Director
The NICU unit director is a masters-prepared registered nurse with management training whose responsibilities include the coordination of services to best meet the goals of family-centered care. Although usually not directly involved in the care of your child, the director is responsible for assuring the quality of the nursing care provided in the NICU. 

AFTER HOURS MEDICAL COVERAGE:

The NICU is staffed to respond to emergencies 24 hours per day. Pediatric residents and neonatal practitioners are in the NICU on nights and weekends to assist the nursing staff in monitoring your baby’s condition and responding to problems if needed. A neonatal fellow and attending neonatalogist are on call from home at all times.