What do I need to know?

Specialties NICU

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Specializes in NICU.

Hello everyone! I've accepted a new grad job in a Level IV NICU upon graduating in May. I'm both terrified and eager to get started and learn as much as possible! I was hoping some of you who currently work or have worked in a NICU before may be able to pass on some things I may need to know to help me be more successful.

I've read quite a few forums that talk about the importance of organization and asking questions and basic advice like that. However, I'm looking more for things I should begin reading up on or for tidbits of information that will help me to have a solid foundation of knowledge upon starting. Thanks in advance!

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I have been working NICU for only 3 months, but the first couple of things I had to do was attend a S.T.A.B.L.E class and become NRP certified. The textbooks for those two courses have a plethora of information in them that you could begin reading up on if you wanted to make the investment up front. I was provided the textbooks by my employer for a temporary use, but I think they would be great resources to have in my personal library as well. Here are a couple of links to these books on Amazon.

The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program, Learner/ Provider Manual: Post-Resuscitation/ Pre-Transport Stabilization Care of Sick Infants- Guidelines for Neonatal Heal ... / Post-Resuscition Stabilization): 9781937967

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Specializes in NICU.
I have been working NICU for only 3 months, but the first couple of things I had to do was attend a S.T.A.B.L.E class and become NRP certified. The textbooks for those two courses have a plethora of information in them that you could begin reading up on if you wanted to make the investment up front. I was provided the textbooks by my employer for a temporary use, but I think they would be great resources to have in my personal library as well. Here are a couple of links to these books on Amazon.

I've worked in the NICU as a ward clerk for the last two and a half years and after begging my manager to allow me to take STABLE she finally let me take it earlier this year. As a nursing student on the unit I have soaked up any information given to me like a sponge. Taking stable was fantastic for me because I was able to tie some things together that I had already learned but it also was a great source of new information. Luckily STABLE is part of the curriculum for my new grad residency because I'm sure there was plenty of stuff I missed during my first time taking the class! Thanks for the input! I'll definitely have to look in to purchasing those books!

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Specializes in NICU.

Here are two of the most recommended neonatal books

Merenstein & Gardner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 7e

Merenstein & Gardner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 7e: 978

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

This is another good reference book.

Pediatric & Neonatal Dosage Handbook: 9781591953586: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

You will frequently need to figure a dose in mg per kg; or drips in mcg/k/min. You could, if you feel inclined, practice that math. (And they said you wouldn't need algebra in real life!)

Have fun!

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