[AuntMeggie]

I'm starting as a New Grad in the NICU next month and was wondering if you all wouldn't mind giving me some pointers. My biggest DUH moment so far was when I was assisting the NP put in a PICC line and she didn't get it on the right side, so I was about to move the PICC cart and everything to the opposite side and the NP just smiled at me, reached into the incubator and turned the baby around. Easy access to the left side. Sometimes common sense escapes us.

Any DUH moments to share so that I don't have to experience them myself?

[suzanne4]

Get a diaper on the little boys as quickly as possible, or you will be wiping down the inside of the isolette frequently.....

Just because you position them one way, don't believe that they will stay like that ten minutes later. Some you think will be crawling within days........

Frequently will poop when bottom wiped with warm wash cloth, when you least expect it.....

Make sure that the skin probe for the warmer stays uncovered by the diaper, or it will cause temps too high or too low in your baby.

These are what come to my mind right away, I am sure that others will follow.
Good luck to you..............

[kitty29]

Well don't feel too bad, sometimes it's easier to not move the baby.

My tip...weigh the baby with a clean diaper on...and subtract the diaper. I used to have to get clean uniforms alot too!

Alway have a washcloth under the baby's mouth once settled....saves on bed changes.

Alway check or count the resp. rate first....gosh I'd think I'd have more ideas but I'm all blank tonight.

[sparkyRN]

When a parent calls, make sure you know the baby's name or at least his sex before you start talking about him. You may have all kinds of good news to tell them, but they won't be able to get past you calling their "he" a "she" and will assume you are talking about another baby!
Been there!