Introduction:
Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a highly desired role for a speech language pathologist (SLP). Pursuant to ASHA Code of Ethics (2016), individuals shall engage in only those aspects of the professions that are within the scope of their competence, considering their level of education, training, and experience. As such, an SLP practicing in a specialized area, such as the NICU, has the level of education, training, and experience to service the patients and their families (ASHA, 2016). According ASHA’s position statement on SLPs practicing in the NICU (2004), one has to have a fundamental competency with feeding and swallowing in premature and full-term infants. Further, it is imperative that one has the knowledge and background in typical infant development, physiology, genetics, atypical infant development, and supportive care.
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