How to Read NICU Levels
Published on June 28th, 2012 by Diana Duren.
Level I – or “well-newborn nursery,” cares for healthy babies
Level II – or “specialty care nursery,” cares for babies who
are slightly premature or have a low birth weight, but aren’t experiencing breathing difficulties. Can administer antibiotics or IV therapy.
II A – cannot provide prolonged ventilation
II B – can provide ventilation for less than 24 hours or
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Level III – or “subspecialty intensive care unit,” has personnel and equipment to administer life support as long as it is needed
III A – can provide conventional mechanical ventilation and minor surgical procedures
III B – more specialized ventilation and more complex
surgical procedures with pediatric subspecialists
III C – has all ventilation and surgical capabilities, plus Extracorporeal membrane oxygentation (ECMO)
