NICU Family Support Specialist

2016 - present

 

Our most recent initiative is to support a new staff position in the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital NICU titled a Family Support Specialist.  This Specialist is a valuable member of the NICU team that provides optimal developmental and psychosocially supportive care for pediatric patients and their families in the NICU. The NICU Family Support Specialist provides information and comfort to families affected by a NICU stay; facilitates professional development for NICU staff; and promotes best practices in neonatal family-centered care.   They will provide a listening ear to parents at their infant's bedside.  They will arrange support groups, casual gatherings, and special holiday events for the families currently in the unit.  They will coordinate with the entire interdisciplinary health team to elevate the experience of families who's path led them to the NICU.  Funds from the Juliet Grace Smith Foundation will contribute to the salary and operating expenses of this critical staff position.