Tips for a NICU New Grad?

[MeggieNICURN]

I just passed NCLEX at the beginning of June, and I start my DREAM job in the NICU in 2 weeks. Do any of the experienced NICU nurses out there have tips for getting started? Resources? Brains? Thanks!

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Try this. I found a place to upload and store it online.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/vb90x02yqn89v6a/NICU%20Brain%20-%20PM%20shift-1.xlsx (Noc)

http://www.mediafire.com/file/puw56ye42g5bq2f/NICU%20Brain%20-%20AM%20shift-1.xlsx (Days)

MODS: If this ain't cool, just delete the link. :)

[MeehRN]

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[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Got it. Go ahead and edit your post and delete your email so you won't get spammed to death.

[MeehRN]

LOL!! i received the email docs....I LOVE it. Very helpful! Thank you again for all your help! BTW, how long did it take you to finally feel comfortable working in the NICU? What the biggest challenge working there? I know there are only so much you can prepare for but I whatever helps ease the transitioning to NICU nursing I would attempt. Ive been practicing on more dosage calculations etc....any other tips?

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

I was pretty comfortable after about a year, taking really sick kids with vents, jets, INO, many drips, etc.

Having said that, now at about 18 months or something, I still have days where I doubt myself, I learn something every day, I lean on my coworkers and mentors. I ask many, many questions. I'm eager to learn, but I also want to make sure I am doing the right thing...so, I ask when I have even a sliver of doubt. If I don't know something (or come across something new to me), I spend a lot of time when I get a chance, looking it up and learning it.

The main thing is, do what is best for the baby. Consider the parents...they are going through heck and are overwhelmed. Always, always remember that that's not an adult lying in that bed, and what you learned in nursing school most likely won't apply to that baby.

Oh, and I also snuggle every baby I can. It's good for them AND me. :)

[SincereRN]

Hello All, I too am in the same boat and will be starting in the NICU soon. Bortaz would you mind sending me your helpful sheet as well? and if not how do I send u my email address??

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

You can't send your email to me in private message until you've made 15 posts on this forum, but if you want, you can download my brain sheet at the following url:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/puw56ye42g5bq2f/NICU%20Brain%20-%20AM%20shift-1.xlsx

Click the link I posted, then click on "Click here to begin download..." or whatever it is. :)

Hope that helps, and welcome to Allnurses!

[SincereRN]

Thank you so much!! I am still learning this site

[jess,rn]

Thank you very much for sharing your "brain". I've been in the process of making one myself but I love yours! Thank you for sharing. Like most of you, I'm new to the NICU. I'm just now going on 3 months. I look forward to meeting you guys and sharing many stories! :) Have a blessed day!

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

You're welcome. :)

[sheeva10]

I came across your post, how nice you are, I hate to ask you again...... but I am also starting in NICU next week and would love to also use the spread sheet that you made. This is also my first post, how do I go about messaging privately? Thank you sooo much..

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

sheeva10, just click on the links that I posted in a couple of posts, and you can download the spread sheet from there. If you can't do that, I'll send you my email in a private message so you can email me your, um...email. LOL