Everything! The babies, family, staff, doctors, nurses, and all support personnel. I have worked NICU for 26 years, and would not trade my job for all the money in the world. Every baby and family is precious, and to see a micro-preemie grow to a chunky 4 lb. baby is awesome. I enjoy teaching parents and involving them in their baby's care. I love that I can work a weekend option shift (24 hours/week), and still have full benefits. New technology and treatment continues to evolve, so I am never "tired' of what I do. We treat all types of birth defects and surgical emergencies in our NICU. Our hospital has participated in several national research trials that have lead to FDA approval of new and better forms of treatment, such as head cooling and inhaled nitric oxide. I have never stopped learning, or studying. It is a joy to have a parent write our unit after their child has been discharged, with photos of how well they are doing. Yes, we do lose babies, and we do grieve for those who do not make it, or are severely disabled. I cry, but find peace in knowing that I did everything possible to save that baby and support his family. I welcome new employees, love teaching, and yes, I DO remember that "Everyone has a first day at their new job".

I am so glad that I stumbled upon this website thanks to a friend's referral and I am so glad to have stumbled upon this forum of NICU nurses. I am in my very first semester of nursing and I have been praying and hoping for an answer as to what kind of nurse I am supposed to be. The NICU came along last year just as I was starting out doing pre-reqs to try to get into nursing school. A friend had a baby that went into the NICU right when school started. I went to visit. I fell in love with NICU but was too afraid especially after my friend's baby passed away due to heart complications. Then the very same friend, exactly one year later had another baby who ended up in the same NICU on the same wing, two beds down from where her last baby's bed was. I went to visit again. I fell in love again (and this time I am happy to report that this baby is going home tomorrow!!) To make a long story short, many circumstances have led me to the point where today I made the decision that the only place I want to be a nurse is the NICU. I am beyond excited and beyond hopeful. It gives new meaning to school to have a goal in mind for when I graduate. It is highly motivating to know that this is what you feel you are meant to do. And it is also very encouraging to read everyone's post on here about the loves of the NICU. Everything that you all have said seems to make me feel in my heart, beyond a shadow of doubt that this will be my future. Thank you all for your wonderful words.

No Crumping, I just wanted to let you know that I printed out your response on a 4x6 index card while I was in nursing school to let me know what I would be getting myself into. I was able to enroll in a new grad program at a children's hospital and have now been an NICU nurse for a little over a year. I still have the index card placed on a bulletin board in my spare bedroom and still refer to it when I 've had a bad day. So thank you for your words of wisdom. They made a difference in my life!!!

I love the babies! You see them at their worst and then get to see them when they finally get to go home it makes me feel like all the work and stress that you go through is worth it. I love it when the parents come back and visit and they are so grateful and happy to see the nurses who took care of their baby.

I just wanted to thank all of you NICU nurses! Both my daughters were NICU babies. Thankfully, they are healthy happy girls. You are all my Heros and the job you do is a calling. (Love Yale NICU!!)

I've always wanted to be a nurse, L&D was what I thought I wanted, but soon realized NICU is where I wanted to be. After many stops and starts, I am going back to school. I'm doing the LPN-->RN route due to many things. And when all is said and done, NICU is the place i want to be.

Its a bit ironic that I've always wanted to be in NICU and ended up there as a parent x2. Hopefully my experiences as a NICU parent will help me as a NICU nurse.

again, thank you to all you wonderful NICU nurses. Without you, my daughters might not have made it, and I probably wouldn't have either. I still wish to go back and visit my girl's nurses. To show them what their skill, compassion, and supportiveness gave me..and hopefully one day I can be that nurse that helped a sick baby.

Originally Posted by AuntMeggie

I'm a new grad (actually graduate in 2 weeks). I was just offered a job in a NICU, and took it even though I'm scared to death! It was nice reading this thread. Reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place! I guess I'd be scared no matter what unit I'd be working in. It's not like I just get thrown to the wolves. There's an intersnip and orientation....so hopefully I'll be an excellent NICU nurse and will have love my job as much as all of you!

I agree! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by carolina_girl

I'm a nursing student with not too much farther to go. (YEAH!). I'm giving serious thought to starting in the NICU post-graduation. From what I have observed, it just seems to be the right fit for me. We get a 6 week preceptorship right before we graduate, so I'm hoping I'll be fortunate enough to get one of the limited NICU slots. I was just wondering why all of you love NICU nursing as opposed to general med-surg floors, peds, adult ICUs, ED, etc.... Also, what do you NOT like about the NICU? I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision here. TIA!

HOW DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN NICU NURSING?

will my frined is some how is impposing to go to NICU but she is hating that place ,,,,give me any advice regarding that

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KxqxSjJFx...related&search=

god bless the babies of this world

Wow. I love NICU nurses!! I've been doing it for 35+ yrs, starting in 1970. Enormous changes from days when a 33 weeker was not "salvageable". Now we're debating the ethics of resucitating 23-24 weekers. I think about the littlest brains are a clean slate. Everything we do to and for them leaves your mark for their whole life. It's awesome, but a huge responsibilty. Everything we do has to viewed from that perspective. "If I do this, will it make him better or worse? If I don't do it, will hw survive?" Heavy, but you need to know all this before making a decision. BUT it's still the greatest job in the world.