http://allnurses.com Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses talking about Neonatal Nursing issues. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:32:35 GMT vBulletin 60 http://img.an-file.info/misc/rss.jpg http://allnurses.com http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/cld-440222-new.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:17:15 GMT I'm reviewing the hospital D/C info on an infant coming home that I'll be doing visits on, and just need to know what CLD stands for. Thanks. ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal Miriam57RN http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/cld-440222.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/your-nicus-protocol-440189-new.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:48:45 GMT We are having a large number of nosocomial sepsis in our unit and I have volunteered myself for the... We are having a large number of nosocomial sepsis in our unit and I have volunteered myself for the research and protocol write. :eek: I was hoping you all could tell me what you all use for cleaning your ports prior to tubing changes, IV medication administration etc. What chemicals do you use? How long for the cleanse? In what order? Who is the company that supplies these to your unit? Also if possible is there research behind these products? Thank you so much in advance!!

Brennyn :) ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal minky84 http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/your-nicus-protocol-440189.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/nicu-questions-so-440187-new.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:36:10 GMT HI everyone, im new to the group just signed up today.im 18 and starting nursing school in a... HI everyone,

im new to the group just signed up today.im 18 and starting nursing school in a month. My goal is to become a level III nicu nurse but im unsure about how to become one. After i finish nursing school what certifications should i have? do i need extra training? if so what kind and how much schooling is required to work in level III? also if theres any other info i should know please share lol.

thanks for answering
-sabrina- ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal sabby09 http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/nicu-questions-so-440187.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/rt-br-sounds-439723-new.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:22:55 GMT Hello, I have a question about the routine practice of RTs in NICU. Here, somewhere over the... Hello,
I have a question about the routine practice of RTs in NICU. Here, somewhere over the rainbow in the midwest, our RTs insist on checking breath sounds and tube placement every 2 hours on all intubated babes. I might have a babe with PPHN, and very sensitive to any stimulation, and the RT is in there every tube hours, assessing br. sounds and unwrapping the tube to check for placement. How is this in the interest of minimal stimulation protocols? I would appreciate any input on the standards of practice elsewhere, and any thoughts as to what I should do about this. Thanks. ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal eurith http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/rt-br-sounds-439723.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/isu-neonatal-critical-439311-new.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:50:38 GMT Do you think it would help or make any difference in my quest for a ob in the NICU? Do you think it would help or make any difference in my quest for a ob in the NICU? ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal TreehuggerRN http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/isu-neonatal-critical-439311.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/starting-nicu-2-a-439111-new.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:39:48 GMT Hello All! Let me say off the bat that I love Allnurses. This site has already helped me... Hello All!

Let me say off the bat that I love Allnurses. This site has already helped me immensely as a new grad and I cannot wait until I have some exp. under my belt and can return the favor to others on here!

My query right now is this:
I'm starting my 12-16 week orientation in a NICU at a University hospital in about 2 weeks, and I am hyped...but lately I'm also getting a bit terrified. I graduated back in May and havent been on the floor since, and I am moving out of state to get this (my dream job). This puts even more pressure on me to succeed. I am just scared I will be too slow on orientation,make mistakes or need to ask for help too much, though the manager did say they "werent scared" of new grads.

Do any of you wonderful NICU RNs have any tips on important things I should study and/or start memorizing? Important meds? Anyone have report sheets or "quick fact" sheets?
I am already reading "The handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care"

Any replies are really appreciated, thanks again all! :loveya: ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal NurseDevonL http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/starting-nicu-2-a-439111.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/rn-duties-nicu-438763-new.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:53:58 GMT Hi, I am just finishing up my second week of orientation in our level IIIB NICU. Prior to this... Hi,
I am just finishing up my second week of orientation in our level IIIB NICU. Prior to this postion, I worked as an RN on a cardiac/telemetry floor. I am really enjoying the new position already and am amazed at the scope of practice for the RNs. I was wondering if this is common in other NICUs.

A NICU RN attends every C-Section whether scheduled or emergent to be the baby's provider until deemed stable.
A NICU RN attends any vaginal delivery that requires assistance or there is meconium present.
Two RNs and one RRT go on neonatal transports with the nearest hospital being fifteen minutes away and the furthest nearly four.
Seasoned RNs are trained in intubation, PICC lines, and UVCs and UVAs, and may be required to do them either on transport, on the unit, or post-delivery.

After leaving a unit where I had to call a physician for Tylenol, I am amazed by the autonomy. Of course, there is much training before an RN performs any of these skills without assistance. I am wondering if this is the norm. Thanks. ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal BrayaRN http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/rn-duties-nicu-438763.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/securing-etts-nicu-438428-new.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:24:02 GMT Is anyone using a securing device in their unit for ETT's? Do you like it? How about those who just tape? What is your method and what kind of tape do you use? We have lots of conversations going on here about lots of stuff, so I am just asking to gain some data. Thanks! ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal cagedbear http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/securing-etts-nicu-438428.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/iv-site-prep-438425-new.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:20:18 GMT Here's another one. What is everyone using for site/skin prep prior to IV (not PICC) insertion? Alcohol, betadine, Chloraprep? ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal cagedbear http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/iv-site-prep-438425.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/neonatal-conferences-438355-new.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:41:02 GMT Hey Everyone, I am looking to get my Continuing Education hours for this year. I see theres... Hey Everyone,

I am looking to get my Continuing Education hours for this year. I see theres a conference in Orlando this year. Are there anymore like for developmental care or any other specialties?
Jackie ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal lccougar02 http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/neonatal-conferences-438355.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/just-got-nicu-438208-new.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:18:35 GMT After waiting for over a year, I just took a NICU position in my hometown:anpom:. It is actually... After waiting for over a year, I just took a NICU position in my hometown:anpom:. It is actually the NICU I was born in! Well, they have since moved. It's the same hospital and a lot of the same nurses.

I got off topic. I was wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom for a new NICU nurse. I have a year of newborn nursery experience as well. This is my dream job, and I want to be a good NICU nurse. :redbeathe ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal babynursejacque http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/just-got-nicu-438208.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/any-suggestions-props-438083-new.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:47:17 GMT Hello,

I was hoping I might receive suggestions/prop ideas, for a presentation I'm going to be doing. On the 19th I will be making a career power-point presentation about NICU nursing. I'd like to have props or something to pass around while I present, so that it's not just another pp presentation. We've been doing several each class period for the past couple weeks, and a lot of people are starting to dread that period of the class, because they've mostly been kinda of boring, lecture-type presentations. I want people to have an interest and learn something during my presentation, and to remember how great NICU nurses, and all other nurses are, in general.

So far, I've thought of filling a fabric pouch with something to demonstrate various weights--to give an example of what a micro-preemie, preemie, or average birth-weight newborn might weigh.

Any other suggestions?

I appreciate any and all input I get.

Thanks.:loveya: ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal futureflrn http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/any-suggestions-props-438083.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/some-people-should-438082-new.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:45:44 GMT Tonight I was doing some volunteer work in the NICU and was able to go with the mom and dad of a... Tonight I was doing some volunteer work in the NICU and was able to go with the mom and dad of a little "angel" baby into the nursury to take photos while the baby was getting cleaned up. The parents were very young and two of their friends, also very young, came with us, although I didn't think they should have been allowed. Anyway I was just standing there taking the occasional photo of the baby being cleaned by the nurse and I hear "excuse me, did you just take a photo of another baby?" At first I thought the nurse was talking to me but I looked over to see her talking to one of the friends of the parents. My mouth just dropped.... no, she didn't actually do that. The friend decided to play stupid with the nurse and say, "oh, I don't think I did"..... OH MY GOSH! I mean, at least say Yes, I did.... obvoiously the girl knew they shouldn't have been taking photos of other little babies. The nurse, firmly said "Yes, we saw you. I am going to have to watch you delete that photo now". The girl deleted the photo and a few minutes later the friends were asked to leave. I have to give props to the nurses for keeping their cool and actually being nice but firm. I would have probably given that girl a little peice of my mind. SOME PEOPLE..... :angryfire ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal janawilliamsphoto http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/some-people-should-438082.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/interview-mount-sinai-437908-new.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:49 GMT Hey everyone,
I'm a former L&D nurse. I have an interview with Mount Sinai this Wed, for their NICU. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal rastanursern http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/interview-mount-sinai-437908.html http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/adhesive-use-neonates-437814-new.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:24:43 GMT Hi Everyone! I have heard that we should not use the products Mastisol or Benzoin for use on... Hi Everyone! I have heard that we should not use the products Mastisol or Benzoin for use on neonates skin. I have been trying to find rationales to back up this assertion. I would love any links to articles or research that would verify or contradict this claim. Thank You! I have been trying to get a concrete answer to this question without success! ]]> NICU Nursing Forum - Neonatal BabyRNKim http://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/adhesive-use-neonates-437814.html