Articles in the Levels of Care Category
Levels of Care »
Level IV/ Level 4 NICU
Information
A level 4 NICU is the highest level, and usually can provide the most advanced care for infants, critically ill infants, and premature babies.
Infants with extremely complex and complicated illnesses can be transferred to a level 4 NICU, as well as extremely sick premature infants.
Levels of Care »
Level III / Level 3 NICU
Information
A level 3 NICU is more specialized, and can function as a level 2 NICU as well. Very rarely will a level 3 NICU serve the functions of a level 1 NICU.
Level 3 units care for premature and extremely premature infants, critically ill infants, and infants requiring surgery. The length of stay for an infant in this level of a neonatal unit can last days, weeks, or even months.
Each level 3 NICU is different and has a range of what it can and cannot do. …
Levels of Care »
Level II / Level 2 NICU
Information
A level 2 NICU is a bit more complex than a level I NICU, in that it is used take care of moderately sick infants who are more than likely to recover in a shorter period of time. It can also perform all the functions of a level I NICU.
A level 2 NICU is also likely to stabilize and transfer critically ill infants, as well as infants under 32 weeks gestational age.
In other cases, a Level III NICU infant who has recovered and no longer …
Levels of Care »
Level I / Level 1 NICU
Information
A level 1 NICU is often called a newborn nursery. These are mandatory in any hospital that delivers babies in a Labor and Delivery Unit.
Providing a basic level of care to well babies and infants at low risk, these units will stabilize and transfer out any critically ill infant or infant under 35 weeks gestation to a higher level NICU.
