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 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is located on Level 4 of the East Tower at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.

NICU Amenities and Services

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center's NICU offers advanced care, expertise and experience and cares for more babies than any other hospital in Iowa. Stay close to your baby by utilizing the Ronald McDonald House, which is located within the hospital.

• In-house neonatologists are available 24/7.
• Advanced safety and security system.
• 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.
• Occupational and physical therapists work as developmental specialists in the NICU, promoting physical and cognitive development.
• Speech-language pathologists evaluate your baby’s development, which includes sucking fingers, pacifiers or toys for exploration and calming, and sucking a bottle or breast for nutrition.

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 to make baby and family comfortable

While in the NICU, your baby may be seen by one or more rehabilitation specialists— including an occupational therapist, physical therapist and speech-language pathologist. They work with the nursing staff and your family members to ensure that your baby has everything they need to develop.  

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. 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.

Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House at MercyOne Children’s Hospital is one of only a few in-hospital locations in the U.S. It keeps families close by providing a home away from home for families traveling to Des Moines to seek the critical medical care for their child that is not available in their home communities, such as our advanced NICU.  

The House is located on the fourth floor of the hospital and includes 14-bedroom suites that sleep up to five people, a full-size kitchen and dining room, laundry room, play room and respite rooms. Families are referred to the house by a social worker, child life specialist or doctor. Once a family is referred, they can stay as long as their need exists.

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.

Checking On Your Baby

If you’re unable to be in the NICU on a particular day, you’re welcome to call at any time for updates on your baby. Rest assured, we will reach out to you if there are any changes in your baby’s condition. To protect your baby’s privacy and ensure our nurses can concentrate on providing specialized care, we kindly ask that only parents make these calls. This allows you to choose how and when to share information with loved ones.

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

Grandparents, friends and relatives aged 16 years and older may visit when a parent is present. To help maintain a peaceful and comfortable setting, we ask that no more than two visitors be at the bedside at a time.

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 and checks in all visitors.

Other commonly seen specialty doctors:

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