Neonatal Intensive Care

Catalog description

Goals: Understand the principles of managing neonates with serious illnesses in particular the initial stabilization of the infant Objectives: At the end of the elective, the student should demonstrate proficiency in or has observed the following on at least 2 neonates with different problems and admitted to NICU: Patient care Attended & or actively participated in the resuscitation and initial stabilization of babies at or post delivery, specifically to establish and maintain airway and respiratory support and thermal neutral environment. Obtain focused histories, physical examination, and written and oral communication appropriate to the infant’s condition. Develop a prioritized and inclusive problem list. Suggest appropriate diagnostic tests for the patient’s chief complaint and other problems. Summarize interval patient information and rationale for ongoing clinical management. Continuing to think about and re-assess the patient during the course of their disease. Medical knowledge Identify criteria for admission and discharge from NICU. Describe the signs and symptoms that suggest deterioration or improvement of a patient’s clinical condition. List drugs of choice and rationale for their use in common illnesses in patients admitted to NICU. Identify contraindications to therapeutic drug use in children of different ages and/or diagnoses. Calculate fluid and nutrition requirements for neonates based on weight, diagnosis, and clinical status. Interpersonal and Communication Skills Communicate effectively with families across a broad range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Provide education and instructions to families, using written or visual methods, taking into account their health literacy level. Write organized, appropriately focused, and accurate patient notes. Professionalism Demonstrate personal accountability, integrity, compassion, respect, altruism, and empathy when interacting with all members of the health care team, patients and their families, in order to provide the best patient care. Demonstrate punctuality and ability to complete patient care tasks efficiently. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Demonstrate self-directed learning in daily practice. Identify strengths, deficiencies, and limits in one’s knowledge and clinical skills through self evaluation. Develop a plan for improvement, perform appropriate learning activities, solicit and incorporate feedback. Demonstrate evidence-based clinical practice Access appropriate resources to answer clinical questions. Critically appraise relevant literature and incorporate it into patient care. Systems-Based Practice Demonstrate the appropriate utilization of consultants, including social workers, nutritionist, physical therapists, etc. Functioning as a “team player” with residents, attendings, nurses, ancillary staff and all others involved in the care of the patient.