One of the most significant differences between a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is that a PICU treats newborns and children up to the age of 17 (pediatric = children). A NICU (neonatal = newborn infants) is a hospital that only treats newborns who require extra care. The terms "neonatology" and "paediatrics" are used interchangeably to refer to hospitals that have special units for treating newborns and children, respectively.
Children's hospitals often have separate departments or teams of physicians who specialize in treating specific diseases or conditions that affect children. For example, oncologists treat children with cancer; cardiologists treat children with heart problems. Some children's hospitals have general divisions of medicine where specialists work together to take care of all types of illnesses that may come into contact with the pediatric patient population. For example, at many children's hospitals, neurologists and neurosurgeons work side by side to diagnose and treat children with brain disorders.
In addition to doctors, children's hospitals usually include support staff such as nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and pharmacists who are trained in providing care for infants and toddlers. Some facilities also have counselors available to discuss any emotional issues that may arise during hospitalization of young patients.
Children's hospitals use specialized equipment to provide intensive care for babies too small or weak to be treated elsewhere.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses care for children and adolescents suffering from a variety of illnesses, ranging from common childhood disorders to life-threatening illnesses. PICU nurses work closely with other members of the health care team to provide quality care for their patients.
PICU nurses must have advanced knowledge in their field and be able to apply that knowledge in the care of PICU patients. They should also have exceptional clinical skills and be able to communicate effectively with patients and their families.
PICU nurses must be able to work long hours without sleep because sick children need constant attention. It is not uncommon for them to work 60 hours or more per week.
PICU nurses deal with many serious medical issues such as cancer, heart defects, brain injuries, and chronic diseases. These nurses work with highly specialized equipment and medications that require additional training to use safely.
There are several paths to becoming a PICU nurse. Most hospitals now require candidates to complete an undergraduate degree first. After working for a few years in an emergency room or hospital outpatient setting, they can then pursue a master's degree in nursing. Those who want to go further than that can enroll in a doctoral program which usually includes board certification by the National Association of Pediatric Nurses.
Newborn newborns that require severe medical care are frequently admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU is equipped with innovative equipment and qualified healthcare workers to provide specialized treatment for the smallest babies.
Critical care physicians are trained in the management of the most complex patients, including those in the neonatal period. They work with other members of the health care team to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Modern medicine has come a long way since the early days of pediatric surgery. Today's surgeons have access to advanced diagnostic tools and can perform many procedures previously reserved for older children or adults. In fact, many serious diseases can now be treated successfully in infants under one year old.
The choice of treatment depends on what problems the baby has been diagnosed with. For example, if a child is born with a heart defect that requires surgery, the surgeon will discuss various options with you before making a recommendation. Some defects may not be able to be repaired at all without increasing the risk of death or serious disability. In such cases, it may be best to remove the defective part and let nature take its course. However, many conditions can be treated successfully with different types of medication or observation only.
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