Antepartum/Gynecology Unit
The 4 East Antepartum/Gynecology Unit is a private 23 bed unit dedicated to Women’s Health. The unit cares for undelivered (antepartum) high-risk patients with diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension, preterm labor, and other conditions. The unit also cares for patients who have conditions/surgeries related to gynecology, urology and gynecologic cancers.
The staff on this unit are specially trained in caring for antepartum/gynecology/urology patients and hold a specialty certification in fetal monitoring.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is designated by the state as a Level III Regional Referral Center for High Risk Infants as well as the High Risk Obstetric Referral Center for the region. Operating in these capacities provides the advantage of infants being more likely to deliver at the center where the most advanced healthcare can be provided immediately (which leads to better outcomes for the baby) and with minimal separation of the mother from her infant. With these designations and responsibilities, we lend ourselves to being the optimal place to care for infants at risk.
The NICU has been in existence since 1972 and has been on the cutting edge of practice since that time. Being affiliated with an academic medical center has had many advantages including advanced technologies and access to the latest scientific information. The physicians and nurses in the NICU have a uniquely collegial approach to patient care delivery. As a Level III Center, there are opportunities for nurses to be involved with the care of infants and families with a vast span of needs and the variety of cases experienced is a challenge even for the most excellent nurse.
Qualifications for working in this exciting environment include a desire to help infants and families in a critical need, Tennessee Licensure as a RN and prior experience in NICU preferred. Orientation includes a NRP and STABLE courses as well as orientation with an experienced preceptor. We offer an apprentice program for new graduates in June. This is a six-month program that includes approximately 100 hours of class and lab time along with a preceptored orientation with an experienced nurse. Interested new graduates need to apply in February or March to be considered for the program, as there are limited positions.
Labor & Delivery
Labor and Delivery at UT Medical Center is the Regional Referral Center for High Risk Obstetrical Care. Maternal fetal medicine specialists always are available. There also is 24-hour coverage with an in-house obstetrician and anesthesiologists. The staff in Labor and Delivery are committed to providing family-centered care in a safe environment. Mom and baby are kept together in order to facilitate early bonding. There are 12 labor rooms and 3 operating suites. The Intensive Care Nursery is nearby if needed.
Mother/Baby Unit
The Mother/Baby Unit on 3 West is a private 30-bed unit dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care to both mother and baby. This provides couplet care, which means one nurse cares for mother and baby together. This allows new moms to room-in and learn how to care for their newborn in the safety of the hospital. The nurses on this unit are specially trained in the care of the newborn and postpartum patient and are certified in Neonatal Resuscitation.
The Mother/Baby Unit staff includes Lactation Consultants who specialize in supporting and assisting new moms who choose to breastfeed. These team members are registered nurses who are internationally board certified in Lactation Consultation.