Week 9: Level Up
Zoey B -
Hi everyone! This week was definitely slower than the rest, so it might be a shorter blog this week. Unfortunately, I got sick this week and was unable to go to the hospital to do my internship. Instead, I focused on putting together the data from my interviews with doctors and nurses. This was way easier than the last process with the babies because there was less categories and significantly less interviewees. I interviewed a total of 6 healthcare professionals, two from out of state and the rest work at least part time at the family birthing center. I was able to interview 3 registered nurses and 3 neonatal nurse practitioners. All of them have worked in a level four N.I.C.U.
To breakdown the difference in N.I.C.U. levels, there are a total of four. The first being a regular nursery with well babies. The 2nd level is what the Family birthing center is classified as and they take babies up to 34 weeks old. If a baby is born before 34 weeks they will send the baby to a N.I.C.U. in Phoenix that can properly care for the baby, most the time this includes things like ventilation and surgery. At a level 2 N.I.C.U. they can provide assistance with feeding (including feeding tubes) and give short term respiratory support which is typically given through CPAP or a nose cannula. Level three N.I.C.U.’s can do surgeries and have access to imaging and doctors in sub-specialties that can care for critically ill newborns and preemies. Level four is the most advanced and can do everything a level three N.I.C.U. can do, but on a more specialized level. They can do the most complex and nuanced surgeries and have access to the most experienced and specialized doctors.
Since all of these doctors have worked in a level four N.I.C.U. and have been in the field for at least 25 years, I was able to get information on how technology has changed in the most advanced settings over the last two decades. I will talk more about the specifics of what they said in my final presentation.
As for the rest of my week, I focused on putting together an article about the interviews I have had. It is important to me that the people I was able to interview get a voice during my final presentation, so I thought what better way to do that then to write an article to handout to everyone about them. I’m excited to see how this comes together and to share it with everyone! Thanks for reading and see you all next week!!
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