About the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Donors bring resources, training and new technology to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving families a better start. Here are a few impressive facts about the HonorHealth NICU:

• The 28-bed NICU is staffed by neonatologists (physicians who care for premature babies or sick infants), neonatal nurse practitioners, specially trained nurses, and respiratory professionals who offer around-the-clock care.
• Expert care is provided to infants from 23 weeks to full term, as well as those who weigh as little as 12 oz.
• Many of the NICU nurses have earned RNC-NICU certification, meeting strict experience and testing requirements that establish them as expert high-risk neonatal caregivers.
• It is the Northeast Valley’s only Level III neonatal intensive care unit, the state’s highest level of certification to care for critically ill newborns and high-risk pregnancies.
• Awarded by the Arizona Perinatal Trust, the designation means the NICU can provide the most advanced care to newborns, even the most premature babies.
• The NICU allows the community’s most critically ill newborns and mothers-to-be with high-risk pregnancies to receive high-quality care close to home. The NICU’s family-friendly policies allow parents and families to remain close to their newborns.
• If an infant requires additional surgical or subspecialty care, physicians are available to treat a variety of conditions, such as orthopedic, and ear-nose-throat concerns. Pediatric anesthesiologists are available 24/7.
• In 2019, 462 infants were admitted to the NICU. Their average length of stay was more than 16 days.