Because our Level III nursery is staffed by board-certified neonatologists (pediatricians with extra training in newborn care), neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatal nurse specialists, therapists and support staff, you can rest easier knowing there’s a dedicated, compassionate team caring for your baby 24/7.

Our NICU patients include babies who may face difficulties at birth, including those born prematurely, those whose mothers experienced a complicated pregnancy and delivery, or those with one or more birth defects. Newborn babies in need of intensive medical attention are admitted directly to our onsite NICU.

New patients are immediately evaluated by our dedicated neonatologists. For those in need of specialty care, from a pediatric cardiologist or neurologist, for example, we coordinate the baby’s prompt transfer to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

For our tiniest patients (those born between 23 to 27 weeks), we have a special care area within the NICU. This dedicated space follows a small-baby protocol to enhance development while minimizing potential overstimulation of these particularly fragile babies.

We understand that having a sick baby can be very distressing for parents and families. Because of this, we practice family-centered care. You have access to your baby in the NICU around the clock, and we encourage visits. For babies nearing time to go home, we have a dedicated area within the Unit that gives parents an opportunity to gain confidence in their ability to care for their babies. Help with breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is also available.

Why Choose Ohio State?

Our commitment to our patients and their families is to provide the highest quality care with empathy and compassion. That’s why we offer NICU patients and families comprehensive care with a personalized approach. As an academic medical center, our treatments are supported by innovative research, advanced medical expertise, and the latest technologies and techniques.

And because we’re a Level III NICU, our nurse-to-baby care ratio is at least 1:3 and, for the sickest babies, 1:2 or 1:1. We also believe in the importance of family interaction, so parents and grandparents are welcome to visit baby any time. In addition, we have a parent advisory council to act on patient and family feedback for how to improve the patient experience in our NICU.

Our NICU Services

As a Level III nursery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is staffed around the clock by multiple specialists, including:

Neonatologists: At least one of our pediatricians with additional training in newborn care is always present in the NICU.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners and Neonatal Nurses:  Our neonatal nurses are advanced practice nurses who specialize in newborn care. They can answer your questions, provide assistance and advice, and help meet any special needs your baby may have.

Respiratory Therapists: Our respiratory therapists manage our advanced mechanical respiratory equipment and provide breathing treatments, as needed.

Occupational and Physical Therapists: Our occupational and physical therapists help with developmental care, address feeding issues.

Lactation Consultants: NICU babies bring with them special breastfeeding challenges which our lactation team can help you overcome. If your baby remains in the hospital after you are discharged, you can call 614-293-8910 to schedule a meeting with one of our lactation consultants.

NICU Visitor Policy

Visitor Policy

Parents may visit at any time. All family members and friends age 14 years and older can visit the NICU. However, we do not allow visits from those under 14 years, to protect the babies. Visitors must be healthy when visiting the NICU.

Only two visitors are allowed at the bedside for each baby. If you have multiples, this means up to four people are allowed to visit at any one time as long as there are only two people per bedside.

Parents may give permission for grandparents to visit the NICU and hold the baby without their presence.

To keep you, your child and your family as safe and secure as possible, all visiting guests must provide your Guest Code to gain access to the unit. In addition, anyone calling in by phone to speak with a doctor or nurse must provide your Care Code to receive detailed health information about the patient. Ask your nurse for more information about these codes.

Patient Experience

The patient experience department is dedicated to making your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our team is available to assist with any non-medical questions or concerns related to your stay. All interactions between patients, or their representatives, and our staff are confidential. If you would like to speak with a patient relations coordinator, please call us:

Patient Experience University Hospital: 614-293-8944 
Patient Experience East Hospital: 614-257-2310 

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