I work as an educator at a hospital with a Level 3 NICU. I was an L&D nurse for 26 years. These kind of units require a higher level of functioning, critical thinking and dedication. No one will stay in these units (or be allowed to stay )if they are not functioning well within their roles. Critical Care is high stress, high pressure. I agree with Dr Wight that low performers find other options because keeping up and performing in a critical care environment is too much for the low performer. That being said, there are varying levels of information regarding Lactation in the NICUamongst heath care providers. There are varying levels of competence amongst Lactation Professionals as well in terms of dealing with the NICU population and I have seen and been aware of some approaches or information given by LCs who have no expertise in the area of prematurity. This underscores the need to work as a team, communicate well, and be aware that there is not a one size fits all remedy.

Jane CiaramellaRNC-OB, IBCLC, MS


----- Original Message -----
From: [log in to unmask]
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008 9:34 pm
Subject: NICU Personnel
To: [log in to unmask]

> "Simply, not everyone does want the best
> outcome for the babies in their care. Some just want the shift
> to end
> so they can crawl home and contemplate how they ended up in a
> job they
> hate, and which they aren't actually that well cut out for."
>
> Nurses, physicians and other health care professionals have
> lots of easier
> options than work in the NICU if they really don't want to be
> there. I agree
> that some health care practitioners are better informed than
> others. They may
> not all be a conscientious as I, personally, would like, but I
> cannot believe
> that anyone I have ever worked with does not want the best
> outcome for
> infants under their care.
>
> Nancy Wight
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