Why choose Geisinger for neonatal intensive care?
When your baby needs more care than a regular nursery can provide, you want a team ready to step in — day or night. Our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are built to support even the most fragile newborns with neonatal specialists available around the clock.
And if your baby is diagnosed with a complex condition before birth, our Center for Prenatal Pediatrics can start building a care plan before your baby arrives. Plus, Geisinger Life Flight® air and ground transport teams are on call 24/7 to move your baby quickly and safely if they need transfer to or from Geisinger.
Throughout your pregnancy and after your baby’s birth, we're here for you too — with resources, education and family support that help you care for your baby here and at home. We also have partnerships with Children’s Miracle Network, the March of Dimes and other organizations that support families.
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FAQs
What does NICU stand for?
What do NICUs do?
NICUs provide care for infants who:
- Are born prematurely (at least 3 weeks before their official due date)
- Have complications during pregnancy or birth
- Have a birth defect or congenital condition
- Have a critical illness or substance-related condition
What are the newborn nursery and NICU levels?
Level I (well-baby nursery care): Level I nurseries are where healthy newborns are cared for after birth. They can also prepare babies to be transferred to higher-level facilities.
Level II (special care nursery): Level II nurseries provide moderate care for babies born at 32 weeks or later, and they also can provide care for babies who are recovering from illness.
Levels III and IV are considered neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Level III (neonatal intensive care unit): Level III NICUs have the staff and equipment to care for very small babies, babies born before 32 weeks and those with critical illnesses.
Level IV (the highest level of NICU): Level IV NICUs are regional centers that offer the highest level of care available to newborns. They offer everything a Level III NICU does, as well as subspecialists, advanced imaging and complex surgeries.
Where can I find information about your NICUs at Danville and Wilkes-Barre locations?
Geisinger hospitals offer 2 NICUs in central and northeastern Pennsylvania:
- Level III NICU: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre
- Level IV NICU: Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville
What types of providers work in a NICU?
NICUs have a team of specialists who are experienced in caring for premature and critically ill newborn babies. Providers may include:
- Neonatologists (pediatricians who specialize in newborn care)
- Neonatal physician assistants
- Neonatal nurse practitioners
- Specialized registered nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Speech/feeding therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Registered dietitian nutritionists
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
- Child Life specialists
- Family care support specialists
- Pediatric specialists, like cardiologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists
What do neonatologists do?
Neonatal intensive care at Geisinger
- Fetal diagnostic and treatment center: At the Danville-based Center for Prenatal Pediatrics, we work with obstetricians who specialize in diagnosing and caring for high-risk pregnancy and other pediatric subspecialists. Our team supports, educates and coordinates care for you and your family as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. In many cases, we work with you to create a care plan for your infant before they’re even born.
- Neonatal expertise for other healthcare providers: Geisinger neonatologists educate physicians and healthcare professionals in community hospitals throughout our region. We teach them how to recognize and stabilize infants with serious medical conditions or injuries. These outreach efforts mean more providers across our region are equipped to care for newborns in their hospitals. We also offer teleconsultation services to a growing number of community hospitals.
- Family support: Geisinger works with the March of Dimes and other charitable organizations to provide support services to the families of hospitalized infants. At activities like movie nights, arts and crafts and pizza dinners, we help you connect with others who know what you’re going through.