Culture Clash: Transitioning from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The hospitalization of a child is one of the most traumatic episodes of parenthood. The fear, frustration, anger, and loss of control can be overwhelming to the parents of the critically ill child. Acute care hospitalizations such as those that occur in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are especially distressing to every member of the family. Unfortunately, families subjected to both NICU and PICU admissions experience two distinctive cultures with very different philosophies and goals. In spite of the best intentions of health care providers, the obvious cultural differences between the NICU and PICU potentially aggravate the stress suffered by families. Unfortunately, most NICU and PICU staff members are unfamiliar with the contrasting cultures. Utilizing specific examples from Phoenix area facilities, the purpose of this article is to describe the many factors that shape and influence the NICU and PICU experience for families.