MercyOne Children's Hospital William and Josephine Norkaitis NICU

If your baby is born prematurely or with special needs, the physicians and staff of the MercyOne Children's Hospital William and Josephine Norkaitis NICU are fully equipped with the most advanced technology and training to give your baby the specialized care they need. The NICU is located on Level 4 of the MercyOne Des Moines’ East Tower.

We take the safety and security of our patients and families very seriously and would like to assure you that your infant is safe in our care.

NICU Services and Amenities

MercyOne’s NICU offers Level III Care, the highest level of care as designated by the State. This means an advanced level of expertise, care and experience which is why MercyOne cares for more babies than any other Iowa hospital. You can stay together in the same hospital–just one or two floors apart.

• In-house neonatologists are available 24/7.
• Highly-trained nurses are available to you and your family 24/7 to assist in feeding, basic care and to answer any questions about your little one.
• A team of specially trained and certified volunteers are available to families who may not be available all the time to be near baby. They offer babies the comfort of human touch when parents are away.

Our unit includes 44 comfortable patient rooms, each with:

• Centralized nursing stations, so your baby's nurse is always visible and available
• Sofa bed and recliners for parents to stay at bedside
• State-of-the-art beds for baby
• Refrigerators for personal use
• Wireless internet access
• Large windows to allow for natural light
• Privacy doors with blinds and soundproofing for when you and your baby desire peace
• Lights that dim in order to make baby and family comfortable

Get your free, no-obligation packet of birthing information today!  

NICU Providers

Parenting Time

MercyOne encourages parents of NICU babies to participate in caring for the baby as much as possible. We encourage you to be at the bedside at any time during the day or night. We know you are as important to your baby as he or she is to you.

The only time you will not be allowed in the unit is if there is a special procedure being done in the nursery. At this time, we may ask you to step out briefly.

Checking On Your Baby

Please be assured that we will call you if there is a change in your baby’s condition. In addition, you are welcome to call the NICU to get information about your baby at any time.

To ensure privacy and to allow the nurse staff time to provide the special care your baby needs, we ask that phone calls be limited to parents only. This will let you, as parents, decide what information is shared with your friends and family about your baby. If the nursery is busy, you may be asked to hold or call back. You are always welcome to leave a message and your baby’s nurse will return your call as soon as possible.

The number to call if you live in the Des Moines area is (515) 358-4000. We also have a toll free number for parents who live outside the Des Moines area 1-800-637-2993. The toll free line is for parent use only.

Other Visitors

Big brothers and sisters are welcome in the nursery. Since young children may have contagious illnesses, and because your ill baby needs to be protected, we ask parents to share in our responsibility for infection control. Parents will be asked to sign a form regarding the health of baby’s siblings prior to their visit.

Friends and relatives over 14 years of age may also visit your baby when a parent is present. Please keep in mind that we would prefer to have only two people at the bedside at a time.

Grandparents are allowed to visit without the parents if given permission by the parents. We prefer that parents are the only family members to bring visitors into the NICU.

Our Team

Many professionals work together to care for premature or sick babies. During your stay you may meet some or all of the 
following:

• Neonatologists - pediatricians that have special training in the care of premature and sick infants.
• Primary Nurse - the nurse who will most frequently take care of your baby, develop your baby’s nursing care plan and 
  teach you how to care for your baby.
• Nurse Manager - a registered nurse who takes ultimate accountability for patients, families and the care they 
  receive in the NICU.
• Dietitian - a person who specializes in nutrition and will assess your baby’s nutritional status, growth and 
  feedings.
• Lactation Consultant - a nurse who is trained to observe, assist and advise breastfeeding mothers.
• Occupational Therapist - a person with special training in infant development and concerns surrounding oral, motor 
  and feeding skills.
• Physical Therapist - a person with special training in assessing and enhancing muscle tone and movement.
• Speech and Language Therapist - a person with special training in feeding skill issues like sucking and swallowing.
• Pharmacist - a person who prepares medications for your baby and provides information about medications to parents 
  and staff.
• Social Worker - the person who will help you with non-medical issues, such as where to stay, insurance and 
  transportation; also provides emotional support.
• Respiratory Therapist - a person who specializes in caring for babies who need oxygen or any other help with 
  breathing.
• Unit Secretary - a person who helps answer the phones and supports the nurses in unit activities.

Other commonly seen specialty doctors:

• Cardiologist - specializes in heart conditions
• Neurologist - specializes in conditions related to the brain and nervous system
• Nephrologist - specializes in kidney diseases and dialysis
• Gastroenterologist - specializes in conditions related to the intestinal tract
• Endocrinologist - specializes in gland and hormonal issues
• Ophthalmologist - specializes in eye health