A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is an intensive care unit specializing in the care of ill or premature newborn infants. The first official ICU for neonates was established in 1961 at Vanderbilt University Mildred Stahlman, officially termed a NICU when Stahlman used a ventilator off-label for a baby with breathing difficulties, for the first time ever in the world.
A NICU is typically directed by one or more neonatologists and staffed by nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, resident physicians, and respiratory therapists. Many other ancillary disciplines and specialists are available at larger units. The term neonatal comes from neo, "new", and natal, "pertaining to birth or origin".
Read more about Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Nursing and Neonatal Populations, History, Patient Populations, Levels of Care
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