New Grad NICU Nurse seeking advice!

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 6, 2015

Welcome to AN! You may be able to find some informative threads and book suggestions in the NICU specialty forum.

NNP-2018 · Aug 7, 2015

I also have The core curriculum for neonatal nurses. It is in an outline format. It is from AWHONN.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2015

Hi everyone,
I just graduated in May and will begin working in a NICU in less than two weeks.

Your thread has been moved to our NICU forum to accrue more responses. Good luck to you.

tinkerbell419 · Aug 7, 2015

Nursing the Neonate 2014 edition I personally recommend for ease of use and understanding

arlucero1 · Aug 7, 2015

Hi Jessica! I bought neonatal intensive care. So far I like it. I start my first shift with my preceptor tomorrow and I am so nervous. Good luck. I'm curious to hear how your experience isz

maccheese · Aug 8, 2015

My first job out of nursing school was a level four NICU. I highly suggest that any study materials that you are given in classes, that you do study, maybe even keep them with you on your shift and if you have some down time (like maybe on night shift) definitely review them, especially if its in regards to particular meds and diagnosis of babies that you have on that shift. I hope that you are in an environment that is ok with you asking questions, even if its just to double check if your thinking is correct about certain actions. Definitely make sure you study your meds and interventions to know why certain things are done. Ask your preceptor and fellow nurses as to why.Always be on the look out for and ask for opportunities to see new things, even to see them over and over again. If you're at a birthing hospital, see if your preceptor will allow you to go to as many deliveries as possible (as they see fit and if it does not interfere too much with your assignment and precepting) if they do bedside surgeries on that unit, be there, if there is any thing new (intubation, trach care, refeeds, hanging TPN, kangaroo care, respiratory weaning, infiltrate intervention, rounding, admissions, any and every thing) be aware of any announcements of what may be going on and ask to be there. Maybe even communication with your Charge/supervisor nurse about keeping an eye out for you.

nicumamas · Aug 9, 2015

Hey Jessica!

If you're looking for a quick reference (plus free!) there are tons of great websites with all kinds of NICU info.

FNPDUKE · Aug 18, 2015

Hi NNP-2018 (I was not able to private msg you back, so I thought I would post on this thread)

I just finished my program on 08/07. Sorry I am getting back to you so late. I was away on vacation for the last 10 days.

So, I did the Duke Family NP program online. I really liked the fact that you had notes and lectures at your fingertips. Only downside is that you had to manage your time well. I worked full time then I went to part-time/prn. It was challenging, but definitely manageable.

Pros-teachers were easily accessible and were always willing to help you.

Cons- clinical placements. My clinical placements were far away. I mean, I am glad that they placed you at the site, but my residency ended up being 3.5 hrs away. I had to get an apartment for the summer. It was challenging!

As far as tips go, I would say that you should get a boards review book early to study from early on. I did that my spring 2015 semester (peds and women's health) and it helped me a lot. :)

Good luck to you!!!

If you have any other questions, pls feel free to msg me!

tinkerbell419 · Aug 18, 2015

Nursing the Neonate is a really good book. Ive brought others that blew my head off in under a minute