Working with the babies

rn/writer, RN · Mar 7, 2006

Hi everyone,
I am currently a adult ICU nurse and I want to transfer to the NICU. I've read alot of your stories and I want to feel that same joy when I go to work. Don't get me wrong I do like working with adults but I have always wondered about what it would be like to work in the NICU. Can anyone one give me advise on the transition?

If you have no peds experience, it might be good to try a postpartum unit where you scale down gradually and you get to know what basically healthy kiddos are like. There are enough challenges there--respiratory problems, elevated bilirubin levels, heart murmurs, etc.--for you to get your feet wet and the size is manageable.

Or you could apply for a NICU position and start with the feeder/grower babies.

I know what you mean about needing some joy. I was in psych for years and finally got to the point where I had to look for something that had better--and quicker--outcomes. Postpartum has been a great fit for me.

I wish you well.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Mar 7, 2006

Hi! We have had several nurses transfer from SICU, MICU and BICU without a problem. You have your critical thinking skills in order and that is a big plus! You might get a bit of a shorter orientation if you are moving quickly, but for the most part, we give you 10-12 weeks. The rational for critical care drugs remains the same, the dosages are similar.

Personally, I wouldn't go to PP or Normal newborn, just go to NICU. They aren't going to throw you into criticals any faster, or at least they shouldn't. You may get vents quicker since you are able to take vented patients.

Good Luck!

Gompers, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2006

We've had a lot of nurses transition from various adult ICUs to NICU. Most make the transition very smoothly. Initially, nurses we get from newborn nursery do a lot better with admissions, grower-feeders, and parent teaching - while adult ICU nurses do better with the very sick kids. After a year or two it all evens out.

Does your hospital have a NICU? If so, maybe ask their nurse manager if you can shadow one of their nurses for a shift or two.

I'd second the notion to go straight to NICU from adult ICU. You'll do fine.

prmenrs, RN · Mar 7, 2006

I would go straight to NICU, too. I had worked adult ICUs when I first went to NICU--it takes a little while to adjust your mind to baby "normals". That's very disconcerting, cuz you're used to that "gestalt" feeling of whether a pt is ok or not. But it will come back to you.

The unit should be willing to give you as much orientation as anyone else. Take it!! Do feeder-growers first, then ICU pts. Take time for the perks--snuggle w/a baby in a rocker, appreciate how cute they are.

Just one warning: be very careful w/your scissors. Never try to cut off an IV board w/them--you can't always see under the tape where all the fingers and toes are. I took care of a baby who had her thumb cut off in just that manner. They tried to re-implant it, w/o success.

RN2NP · Mar 7, 2006

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I'll keep it all into consideration. I still have alot of other options im trying to decide on because I also want to go back to school; hopefully soon, but I really love the little babies and I want to find my nitch, whatever that maybe. Thanks again to everyone