Visiting the NICU

Most parents don’t plan to leave the hospital without their newborn in their arms. We know having a child in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) can be a challenging time, full of joy, fear, uncertainty and hope. At Randall Children’s Hospital, we offer a home away from home. Whether your child spends days or weeks in our care, we aim to make your time here as comfortable as possible.  

Visiting your child in the NICU is important to their health and development. Research shows that the more parents are involved with their newborn’s care, the sooner babies are ready to thrive on their own. As part of our family-integrated philosophy of care, parents are an essential piece of helping a child heal and grow. Family members are the caregivers, while our nurses and staff act as coaches to guide and support every step of the way. 

We encourage you to speak up, ask questions and be involved in the decision-making about your child’s treatment.  

Most of all, know that you are not alone. You have a team of professionals here to provide help and guidance, and former NICU parents to support you along your journey.  

NICU Visitor Guidelines  

When visiting the Randall Children’s NICU, please keep the following visitor guidelines in mind.  

• We have 24/7 security in the lobby. All parents and visitors much check-in at the lobby. Each parent can receive a special bracelet which identifies you as a NICU parent and makes the check-in process easier for you when come to visit. 
• Parents may visit any time.  
• Parents may designate other family members or friends who may visit when they're not present. 
• Three people may be present at the bedside at any given time. Exceptions may be made during religious ceremonies or when special procedures, treatments or evaluations occur. 
• For your baby's protection, handwashing is required of all visitors prior to entering the unit. A special scrub area is located just outside the main family entrance of the unit. 
• We always require that siblings be with an adult, both in the unit and when using the family lounge. 
• Family members and guests must be free of illness when visiting, as babies are very susceptible to infections. 
• Please respect the privacy of other patients and their families, especially when taking photographs or video of your newborn. Our staff cannot answer questions about other babies or families in the unit. 

Exceptional Care, Close to Home 

Legacy Health offers NICU services at both Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Northeast Portland and at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.  

Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland, Oregon 
The NICU at Randall Children’s Hospital is a Level 4, which means we can offer the highest level of care in the state for critically ill or preterm infants. We are also a regional referral center, which means we can refer your child to another top facility, depending on your child’s needs and location.   

Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington  
This Level 3 NICU is the highest level infant care in Southwest Washington, and treats critically ill or preterm infants born up to 18 weeks early. The NICU has capacity to care for 25 babies in 15 private rooms, three rooms for twins, and an additional four infants in the special care nursery. 

Get Connected & Stay Informed   

MyHealth gives you access to your child's medical records. View test results, diagnoses, medications, follow-up instructions, make an appointment and more.   

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