[hikernurse]

I'll be starting work as an RN in the NICU in a few weeks--a job I've always wanted . . . but when I tell people where I'll be working most of them respond with something like, "Oh, how can you stand to hurt those poor babies?" It makes me feel kind of like an ogre

I'll be working at a level III NICU and we get babies from several states, but most of them do go home, although a lot of the wee ones are discharged to other hospitals to grow first.

Do any of you get that reaction from people and how do you respond? Maybe I'll have a better answer after I've worked there for awhile, but at this point I really don't know what to say

[crissrn27]

If you want to be really blunt say "no, I keep the babies alive"

[MrChicagoRN]

Originally Posted by hikernurse

I'll be starting work as an RN in the NICU in a few weeks--a job I've always wanted . . . but when I tell people where I'll be working most of them respond with something like,

"Oh, how can you stand to hurt those poor babies?"

"No, I help them. Would you rather we just let them die?"

[hikernurse]

Criss and MrChicago--thanks for your replies

Those are both great responses and better than how I've been responding.

[psalm]

As with anything, sometimes we have to have temporary pain or discomfort before we get better. Like giving birth, or being born... Surgery comes to mind, as do vaccines (shots), pain meds (shots IM or thru IV, which necessatated a stab in the vein).

As a NICU nurse, you are a hero to parents and family. People outside the nursing and medical fields can sometimes say the dumbest things...without realizing what they are saying. The above replies are good. Just concentrate on the positives. Remind them that in many cases the babies are receiving pain meds or are sedated.

Enjoy your new position, you sound like a caring person. Just don't let what people say get to you.

[preemieRNkate]

I've gotten that comment, as well as, "Don't alot of babies die?" and "How do you deal with a baby dying?" Um, well, alot of them don't die and when a baby does die, I cry like any other normal person would! I don't even try to explain that when a baby dies in the NICU, most likely it is an end to suffering and that in a way, it is a relief for the nurses to see that end. People don't understand what it is like to take care of a 23 weeker, most wouldn't even know what one looked like. Good luck in your new job, and know that you always have us here. We get it.

[TNUp2Jen]

If it weren't for you, they wouldn't feel anything at all. Guaranteed inbetween the discomfort of pokes and pricks are moments (even if few and far between) where you and the little ones can feel comfort and healing.

[hikernurse]

Aw thanks, guys. I really want people to understand a little bit of what we do--that we're helping them get better and that their stay in the NICU is temporary and definitely of benefit to them.

Originally Posted by preemieRNkate

Good luck in your new job, and know that you always have us here. We get it.

Thanks I've been following this forum for awhile, but haven't had anything of value to contribute. You guys do awesome work and I look forward to knowing you better.