Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital > For Physicians > Pediatric Residency Program > Inpatient Services

Inpatient Services


Two female residents examining a baby wearing a tiny hospital gownPediatric Ward


Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital has a 48-bed medical/surgical unit where care is provided in a child-friendly environment supported by our very active Child Life program. The first year resident acts as the primary physician, with supervision and guidance provided by senior level residents in conjunction with board-certified general and subspecialty attending physicians. These experiences provide residents with the diagnostic, patient management and technical skills necessary to be a well-rounded pediatrician. Emphasis is placed on collegial communication, growing responsibility, and continuity of care in the inpatient setting.


Hematology/Oncology Unit


Two Inova pediatric residents caring for a hospitalized toddler in bedThis 22-bed unit provides care for hematology and oncology patients, including those with various types of cancers, sickle cell disease and bleeding disorders. This experience allows residents to learn about the complex medical and psychosocial issues faced by these patients and their families. The residents act as the primary physicians under the supervision of the board-certified pediatric hematologists-oncologists and nurse practitioners. Residents work in concert with nursing, social work and Child Life to offer a comprehensive treatment plan for these patients.


Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)


Two residents in scrubs posing during the night shiftInova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital is home to the second-largest NICU on the East Coast. This state-of-the-art, level 4 facility accommodates up to 108 beds in private/semi-private rooms and is staffed by 18 full-time neonatologists. The NICU rotation includes attending many deliveries, resuscitating newborns, learning normal transitional physiology, as well as actively caring for sick and premature infants. Being the only level 4 NICU in Northern Virginia, babies with severe and unique pathology are transferred here, further enriching the resident experience. Residents have many unique opportunities to perform procedures, including intubation, line placement, and circumcision. In addition to our NICU experience, residents also complete a rotation in the well baby nursery, ensuring familiarity with routine care of a healthy newborn.


Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)


Interior shot of the modern new PICU area at Inova Children's HospitalOur 26-bed unit offers residents in-depth experience with a full spectrum of critical childhood injuries and illnesses. Second and third year residents evaluate and manage all PICU admissions, including post-operative care for all types of pediatric surgical patients. Residents learn at the bedside how to recognize and resuscitate a sick child using general and disease-specific strategies. Twelve critical care physicians provide supervision and teaching to the residents, with emphasis on the pathophysiology of disease and injury in children. Inova is home to a very active cardiothoracic program, and within our 8-bed cardiac ICU unit, residents are exposed to the post-operative care of children with congenital heart disease including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).