In a message dated 1/4/01 4:35:33 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> I have wondered if I should do anything about the lack of knowledge of
> appropriate bilirubin levels in this nurse, who is most likely not alone in
> her belief that the level of a baby on abm is the normal level. This
> hospital has a full time LC who has worked hard to educate but who still
> has staff who say what they have always said.
>

This nurse is not well educated about normal newborn jaundice. A zero bili on
a 2-3 day old newborn would be extremely rare! I have been working in
hospitals with newborns for many years. It blows my mind that nurses don't
stay up-to-date on the everyday treatment of newborns. The docs have changed
the way they treat jaundice based on current research. Nobody thinks that a
12 bili on the 3rd day is worth doing anything about. We know that it gets to
its highest level between the 3rd & 5th day of life & can peak at 18 and NOT
have any adverse effects. This nurse is in desperate need of an update on
normal newborn jaundice & treatment/NONtreatment.

Laura Hart
Winter Park, FL

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