Poll: What do you love about the NICU?

fmrnicumom · Feb 2, 2006

I posted earlier about saying I believe NICU is where I'm meant to be. I wanted to update though about my former 28 weeker. He is just a few days shy of his first birthday and although he has a few minor issues, for the most part you would never know he was premature. He's 22 lbs and a tank now! :) I can't believe how strong he is.

Thank you to all the NICU nurses out there! As a parent, I can't even begin to express how much what you do means to my family and to me. You were there when my first son was born at 24 weeks and sadly didn't make it. You were there through the anxiety of the subsequent pregnancy and premature labor (starting again at 24 weeks) and delivery of my second son at 28 weeks. It takes a special kind of person to work in NICU. Thank you for being there for my sons, thank you for being there for my family.

miskid · Feb 16, 2006

I have been reading through all the responses, and I thank you for all the information. I am just returning to school for a major career change to nursing. I've done a lot of research in to different nursing fields, and I truly feel like NICU is my calling. I've had friends (RNs) tell me "Oh, you don't want to do that, it's so hard", but I really don't let it discourage me. I can't wait to get through school now!

walkingrock, ADN · Mar 6, 2006

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.
congratulations! nicu is a great place to work. i have been in nicu for nearly 27 yrs now! i originally wanted to work in pediatrics, but the peds unit closed just before i graduated at the hospital i trained at, and i wanted to continue to work there...there was an nicu opening, and i had done a lot of newborn nursery as a nurses aide while i was a student... i love miniatures...babies, animals, etc...i am still amazed at the perfection in a small premie. my favorites are 28-34 wk premies, especially multiples because i am an identical twin. i love attending deliveries, it is still an emotional experience after all these years.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 13, 2006

The thing I love the most about the NICU (PCA now, on my way to nurse) is the parents and getting to interact with them. I love the babies, and I love seeing people really making a difference, but from being a NICU mom, I just love listening to the parents and trying to comfort them.

The hardest part I think is the babies that just don't have a chance. I don't know, even those are something that I don't mind being part of. sometimes the politics of units can be hard though! :)

djl1 · Mar 17, 2006

I worked in the NICU for 4 1/2 yrs as an RRT and then 1 1/2 yrs as an RN. I loved working with the little ones and knowing that I was making a difference in their lives as well as the parents. I just got tired of my 2hr drive there and back home again, but I have not really been happy since I

left.

abbythetabby · Mar 28, 2006

I'm a student RN and I just finished my peds rotation. I spent a lot of time in the NICU (level III) because I was the only one in my class who wanted to be there. Everyone thought it was too sad, but I see it as a place that is so full of hope and promise. I thought I would never want to work with kids. Now I can't imagine doing anything else.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. They echo my feelings 100%!

Sarahbean · Apr 2, 2006

I am also a student nurse interested in the NICU. My practicum begins in May (12 weeks long). I just found out yesterday that I got a placement in the NICU and I am so excited!!! This discussion has made me want a NICU career even more. Everyone tells me that it's going to be hard and sad and challenging. This thread has emphasized the good side, the hopeful side. I can't wait until May.

jesslynn · Apr 15, 2006

Wow! What inspirational stories. I have just started my pre-reqs for nursing and I have always thought that I would want to work in Labour and Delivery, but after reading this thread I think I might be changing my mind. You all sound so compassionate about your job and that is so refreshing to hear.

Thanks you for sharing your stories. And keep up the good work!

sddlnscp · Apr 20, 2006

I hadn't re-read this thread in quite a while and I am happy I did. :) I am finishing up my pre-reqs this semester and have my fingers crossed that I get into the program either this year or next. My heart is so set on NICU, I just love it! I love everything about it - from the joy to the heartache and everything in between. I truly hope that my school allows a NICU rotation and I know that I'm going to have to commute quite a ways to work in a NICU, but I know it will be worth it.

Thank you all for your posts and for keeping this thread alive - it makes my eyes well up with tears and my heart flutter just to read the posts. :) I commend you all and can't wait to one day be right there with you, telling you how much I love my job!

Eryka1 · May 15, 2006

i just have a question Im currently a nursing student going through the LVN to RN program but im really interested in working in the Neonatal Dept or in Labor & Delivery. But my question is can i work in those dept's as a LVN? Because i want to work as an LVn for a while before i start taking my classes to get my RN?

prmenrs, RN · May 16, 2006

I think it depends on where you are. I don't know any hospital in THIS area that hires LVNs.

I'd suggest you check the job listings for hospitals in your area to find out.

desilu92 · May 25, 2006

See below response...