Hi - I am considering becoming a NICU nurse and was wondering - Do they allow volunteers, obviously not to do much except comfort when the nurses are too busy?

Depends on the unit. Mine doesn't, but some do. Best to call the hospital you are interested in to find out.

I was a volunteer NICU "snuggler" at our childrens hospital for 5 years (during prerequisits and nursing school) There was quite a bit of training to go through, classes to take (basically hospital orientation) about hippa, safety etc. I also had to have 2 letters of refrence (they want "safe" people to be with the children). I had to put time in the pediatrics unit being supervised by the Child Life staff (about a month) so they could observe how I dealt with sick children. Then I had one-on-one training in the NICU with the person in charge of the volunteer snugglers. This seemed to go on forever----but was one of the best things I have done in my life. As the nurses became comfortable with me, they would let me observe procedures, I learned what the different equipment was and what it was used for. I was able to observe the care of infants on ECMO and even be the first person to hold the infant when they became stable enough(parent was unavailable). To see a 360gm fetus grow to a thriving baby breastfeeding. I learned about caring for families of these patients. I learned that there IS a time to let go. I observed nurses care for the living and in death. I observed that it IS good to cry with your peers and family members prn. I credit my experience as a volunteer snuggler as making me the best NICU nurse I can be. So I say YES..GO FOR IT! You may have to look to larger hospitals for this opportunity. Good luck, The nurses can use your help in comforting these little people..

I know our NICU dd allow volunteers, but you did go through orientation, needed letters of recommendation, as well as clearance from the state (child abuse clearance and I think criminal abuse clearance as well).

I would hope most hospitals would welcome volunteers in the NICU- I think your best bet would be to call human resources or speak with the nurse recruiter, good luck! Its such a great idea

Originally Posted by unikuelady

As the nurses became comfortable with me, they would let me observe procedures, I learned what the different equipment was and what it was used for. I was able to observe the care of infants on ECMO and even be the first person to hold the infant when they became stable enough(parent was unavailable). To see a 360gm fetus grow to a thriving baby breastfeeding. I learned about caring for families of these patients. I learned that there IS a time to let go. I observed nurses care for the living and in death. I observed that it IS good to cry with your peers and family members prn. I credit my experience as a volunteer snuggler as making me the best NICU nurse I can be

It sounds like you had a very rewarding experience.
for sharing with everyone.