Developing competency in the neonatal intensive care unit: a hospital training program.

There are few specialized programs available to train occupational therapists and physical therapists to treat competently in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), yet hospitals are trying to fill such positions, and the need for advanced training is essential. A hospital-based program that provides clinical NICU training to therapists from other hospitals is presented. The program is short-term and highly individualized and emphasizes learning pertinent medical information, nonintrusive evaluation skills, and therapeutic intervention with advanced clinical judgment.

Model for physical therapy in the NICU.

The role of the PT can range from consultant for orthopedic and feeding problems to daily therapist for neurological concerns. The PT can always be an additional source of education and support to parents and NICU staff. The PT is and should be an integral part of the neonatal team.