Originally Posted by Sketeerbug
I absolutely love this website! I have just started at a Level 3 NICU and I have my first day on the floor next week. I am so excited but then again extremely nervous because I have never been in a NICU. I know the nurses are really protective of their babies (I know I will be too one day!) and I wont get to do much for the first day. Reading through your posts and topics has made me feel that I have made the right choice.
So since I'm posting, any tips for new grads?
I am hitting the 6 month mark and while I am still learning, I look at our recent batch of new grads and realize how far I have come in 6 short months. Just remember that you are brand new and they don't expect you to know everything. Be a sponge and don't be afraid to ask questions. I asked a lot of questions and I still ask if I am unsure of something. You are expected to ask a lot of questions, this is such a specialized genre of nursing and our patients are some of the most vulnerable and delicate, don't risk making a mistake because you were afraid of asking a question.
There was a really bad time for me, in the first weeks I was on my own, where I thought I had made a huge mistake going into NICU, it was so stressful and the responsibility and sometime sadness were overwhelming. I talked to a few coworkers and even came here and was reassured that this was normal and would pass and it did. Just know that the NICU is like life, it has ups and downs and you just have to sit tight and ride them.
I bought the Merenstein and Gardner Neonatal Intensive Care Handbook. There is so much to know and your preceptor can't tell you everything you need to know in the 12 or so weeks you are with them. I keep this book in my work bag and read it when I have free time, or use it as a reference when I need one at work.
Welcome to the NICU!
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