Having this program in Battle Creek is amazing
I am one of the pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) who sees newborns at Bronson BirthPlace – Battle Creek. There is a PNP on-site to provide newborn 24/7 care, so it is most likely that the baby’s first encounter with a health care provider is with the PNP. We provide care from birth until the baby is discharged home for the first time. We attend all high-risk deliveries and C-sections. We also do the newborns’ assessments, routine procedures, and spend a lot of time educating parents and caregivers. We try to provide the families with everything they need for success until their first visit with an outpatient pediatrician.
The program started with 2 PNPs four years ago, and has grown to now 7 PNPs. It allows us to be more efficient with providing expert care in a timely manner. It’s not feasible for our community pediatricians to be available 24/7, so that’s where on-site PNPs come in. The PNPs are specially trained to handle newborn emergencies. It’s not often that emergencies happen, but when they do, it’s good to have someone with our experience here around the clock. We are able to give babies what they need, when they need it.
I’m a long term Battle Creek resident, and it’s always been a goal of mine to have a job in the community where I live. So having this program in Battle Creek is amazing. We’ve made huge strides at the BirthPlace in Battle Creek. We have lactation consultants on site daily, and many members of our nursing staff have taken formal breastfeeding education. We also have a specialist who works with moms experiencing perinatal mood disorders. We have taken many steps to enhance care and to make sure families are set up to start their first few days as a family positively. And, we are always looking for ways to make it even better.
My role as a PNP is really fulfilling, and as a mom myself I’m able to empathize with my patients and be a better provider. I ask what would I want for my child? It’s really just a bonus to be able to provide this service in the community where I live.
