Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

The NICU at Monroe Carell is rated Level IV by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is the highest possible classification. It means your baby will not be transported to another hospital, no matter how serious or complex their condition. Vanderbilt has specialists in both medical and surgical care, as well as specially trained anesthesiologists, who only treat children. This includes the smallest babies born before term.

Depending on your baby’s needs, your medical team include many specialists. Pediatric surgeons, neonatology doctors and nurses, pediatric radiologists, respiratory therapists, pediatric pharmacists, nutritionists, lactation specialists, social workers, child life specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists are part of our 24-hour NICU team that only cares for children.

Founded in 1961 by Mildred Stahlman, MD, the Vanderbilt NICU was one of the first specialized hospital programs in the world created exclusively for the care of preterm infants. Vanderbilt has remained at the forefront of medical care for babies needing intensive care ever since.

Our pediatric medical and surgical specialists are available 24 hours a day to respond to the most complex medical conditions. With 119 dedicated NICU beds, we have the space and resources to treat your child when needed.

Our program is a member of Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) data registry for national and international ECMO Centers. Since 2008, Monroe Carell's ECMO Program has been recognized as an ELSO Center of Excellence. We were awarded this honor at the Platinum level in 2023 for our commitment to patient quality and outcomes, training and collaboration.

Our NICU staff holds weekly meetings to support Family Voices of Tennessee, a program of the Tennessee Disability Coalition that provides emotional and educational support to the families of children with special medical needs.