Question:
As a non‑working speech-language pathologist, who would I contact to volunteer my time in the infant unit?
Answer:
It really depends on where you live. Because cuddling is a very desirable volunteer position, in the hospital where I work they require individuals who want to volunteer to hold babies in the nursery volunteer for the hospital for at least 6 months in another area to prove that they're reliable and then they allow them to request NICU cuddling. So, if you're thinking long-term that you would like to come back to work and work in a NICU, I would encourage you to see what is available in your community. See what the requirements are. I would start going to as many courses as possible regarding infant feeding and infant development. See if the hospital in your area has a pediatric clinic. Often you have to start working in the clinic as an outpatient pediatric speech-language pathologist and then you can apply to be a part of the NICU team. Keep in mind that it can be a lengthy process.
Kay Thurston is a pediatric speech language pathologist with over 25 years of experience. For the past 11 years Kay has worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She has presented throughout the state of Colorado on topics of Oral Motor/Feeding Development, Swallowing Development, Infant Feeding Assessment, and Feeding the Fragile Infant.
Pediatric Medical Speech Pathology - NICU, the New Frontier
