[NFB2008]

I just accepted a position in the NICU yesterday, which I am very excited about. I am graduating in May and starting orientation in June. Although I am super excited, I woke up this morning feeling a little freaked out because it's such an intense area! If anyone has any advice to help me feel more prepared when I actually start orientation, I would really appreciate it. I know June is still a while away, but I just want to be a good NICU nurse!

[hikernurse]

Welcome. I was in your shoes a year ago .

Prepare to be overwhelmed, but you'll get through.

I asked the manager the same question you're asking us and she told me to focus on passing the NCLEX and get an early test date. Good advice, because it's a lot easier to focus on learning NICU things with the NCLEX not hanging over your head. The new grads who had a later testing date really did have a harder time.

You should get a pretty intensive orientation. One thing you could ask about is what certifications you'll need. We did NRP, STABLE, etc. and it might be useful to own those books before orientation so you can write directly in them.

Also, if you have some time off between school and your new job, enjoy it . Spend time with your family.

[Justine_]

Congrats!!!

I'm going to a NICU in D.C. (I live in Seattle now) and I'm doing my preceptorship in a NICU right now at a delivery hospital and it's fabulous!

[Lynnette1990]

Congrats!

[NFB2008]

Thanks for the advice! I'm sure it will be fine. I have always worried about stuff in nursing school and then been fine after I made myself do it! I just want to be a good nurse.

[lvnurs9]

Originally Posted by Justine_

Congrats!!!

I'm going to a NICU in D.C. (I live in Seattle now) and I'm doing my preceptorship in a NICU right now at a delivery hospital and it's fabulous!

Where do you work? I may be moving to Seattle this summer.


Congrats on accepting a position! I wanted to work in the NICU before I was in high school Once I started clinicals, I actually thought about doing L&D because it was less intense and I liked it. Deep down I still wanted NICU. Once I stepped foot in my unit, I kinda freaked out! I had NO idea what I was doing and had no idea how I was going to be able to survive it! 6 months after I started, and 3 months on my own, I was begging for difficult assignments. Now I can take on anything and I love every minute of it!

[Justine_]

I work at Harborview on a trauma surg floor as a nurse tech and am doing my preceptorship at Valley Med. What hosp are you thinking about going to?

[lvnurs9]

I have no idea where I want to go. I haven't done enough research. So far, Swedish seems like the best bet besides Children's. I think I want to stay at a delivery hospital.

[Justine_]

I LOVE the delivery aspect in our NICU! I think I will miss it sorely when I go to the free-standing children's hosp, but I know I'll eventually move back to WA and will probably go to Swedish : )

Good luck wherever you end up!