Graduation Requirements

So, it turns out that our little Quinlan has already passed the milestones necessary to leave the NICU for a level 2 care center or step down unit. This includes being off the CPAP, not needing any IV meds, and having stable vitals signs. We were told a few days ago that if they had a lot of new admissions that Quinlan would be transferred to the transitional care nursery on the 13th floor. Apparently they keep babies in the NICU until they either go home, or are stable and the bed is needed for another infant. The NICU set-up for mothers is nice giving them a futon in the baby's room to nap or stay over night, providing 3 square meals a day, and having a personal breast pump at your baby's bedside. The transitional care nursery has multiple beds in one room, has conference rooms that they can bring cots in to for you to stay over (not with the baby) and the food situation is not clear. Ideally for mom, staying in the NICU would be preferable, but knowing that Quinlan no longer requires level 3 care and is "the healthiest baby in the NICU," is reassuring.


In order to be discharged home, Quinlan needs to be able to do the following:

1. Remain on room air and perform all daily tasks (sleeping, eating, etc) without oxygen desaturation
2. Regulate his own temperature
3. Eat enough through his mouth to successfully gain weight
4. Fit into the car seat safely to travel home

According to the team today at rounds, they anticipate another 4 weeks to achieve all these goals. Looks like he will not make it home for dad's birthday, but perhaps early April.