NICU orientation

sbturner26 · Feb 4, 2017

I have never worked in the NICU. However I'm a mother of a premie and have spent significant time in both the NICU and PICU. My daughter was said to be at one point the sickest baby in the NICU and was reserved to a private room enclosed in glass. I had many complaints of staff. As a nurse now I aspire to work there. The fact that you're terrified to me is a positive thing. To me it means you're taking your position seriously and are going to be thoughtful in all that you do. Those to me are the primary ingredients for being a good nurse. Babies in the NICU are vulnerable, they can't communicate needs and they can't tolerate the common cold. My advice is to respect them and treat them the way you would your own child. Parents and babies are at the mercy of the doctors and nurses, be thoughtful in your communication with them understanding even when they can be unpleasant at times they are terribly worried and heart broken at what their babies are having to endure. Don't come to work sick, don't expose them to cold and flus, wash your hands each time you handle them (I know this sounds like common sense but believe me common sense isn't always practiced), Because these babies can't complain, be even more empathetic to them and their parents. Consider their tiny bodies, take your time with tube feedings imagining how your body would feel if one minute your stomach were empty and the next you had a belly full. And If you are terrified imagine how a parent would feel seeing their baby in those circumstances. Be empowered by your position, where other nurses have a tendency to be careless, you have the opportunity to raise the bar and set an example. You're position is valuable and your actions as a NICU nurse are very important. Eventually you will get comfortable which is good, but never lose your compassion for the patients and their families, and never lose your attention to detail remembering the little things are very important when providing care for these little ones. Props to you for having the courage to do this job. You're genuine concern for doing a good job will get you through and make a great impression. Prayers to you :)

jennylee321 · Feb 9, 2017

I would say coming from the PICU to look up developmental (or more recently referred to as neurodevelopmental care) as this is a big focus in the NICU especially with our prems. Also brush up on your breastfeeding knowledge as this is a skill you don't get to use to often in PICU.