[netty78]

I am a brand new NICU nurse (just graduated and passed boards)... I am extremely eager and excited to begin my orientation, but I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or advice regarding making the transition as smooth as possible. I realize that there is a LOT of info to learn and I am definitely being bombarded with information! The NICU where I am working is a level II and soon to have a level III. Any specific questions I should ask my preceptor... any learning resources... any organizational tips.. any information from you wonderful experienced nurses would greatly help!

Thank you all so much! This forum has been a wonderful lifesaver for me

[Kimbalou]

Originally Posted by netty78

I am a brand new NICU nurse (just graduated and passed boards)... I am extremely eager and excited to begin my orientation, but I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or advice regarding making the transition as smooth as possible. I realize that there is a LOT of info to learn and I am definitely being bombarded with information! The NICU where I am working is a level II and soon to have a level III. Any specific questions I should ask my preceptor... any learning resources... any organizational tips.. any information from you wonderful experienced nurses would greatly help!

Thank you all so much! This forum has been a wonderful lifesaver for me

NICU nursing is great. I love it, too. You'll learn something all the time, I still do after 17 years in the NICU. My only advice is don't be afraid to ask questions...in fact, it doesn't look too great if you don't ask questions! Also, one of my biggest pet peaves is when nurses interrupt when you are giving report. Let the nurse finish, then ask questions. Good luck!!

[wee one rn]

There have been several threads on this topic, try a search and you should find lots of information.

[HarleyNrs]

Congrat! on your new career!
You didn't mention if you had class time in your orientation. If you don't I would highly recommend buying some NICU reference books such as handbook of neonatal nursing or the core curriculum. Or find some PCEP books. Also join NANN or ANN their journals provide lots of information.

my number one thing I tell all my new NICU nurses is THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION. I worry the most about people who don't ask questions.

Good Luck!

[netty78]

Thank you all for your support! My NICU training is mostly hands-on clinical with a preceptor, there is very little formal classroom training. I have heard that the Merenstein books are great. Would you agree? I definitely love to ask questions and so far I am getting good feedback from my preceptor and my nurse manager. There is a lot to learn and I want to make sure that I take advantage of every learning opportunity. Thanks again for your support and suggestions! I am so happy to be a NICU nurse finally!!