Giving Nursing Students a Taste of NICU

I am interested in becoming a neonatal nurse. my son was born 12 weeks prematurely so i have a little taste of the environment. I am glad to hear there are people like you out there. lol

I just landed a volunteer gig in my hospital's NICU...can't wait!

I am graduating in a couple of weeks. Our class was never even allowed to walk in the doors of the NICU, let alone shadow a nurse. We specifically asked for at least a tour, and we were repeatedly denied. Most of my class has never seen a tiny preemie, let alone held one.

I was a NICU mom for 7 months back in '95. Because of the wonderful care that my 25-week preemie son received there, I chose nursing and have accepted a position in NICU.

NICU nurses really make a difference, and it's sad that the student who go to my school never even get a glimpse of it.

As a recent grad I must say that I had the most amazing experience with my NICU participation day during nursing school. My nurse was a 20 year+ NICU nurse and was absolutely wonderful. I was empowered to perform all aspects of care on a set of triplets and absolutely loved every minute of my experience. The other nurses on the unit would voluntarily come and get me or my peer to observe/participate in the care of other NICU patients. As a non-nursing employee of a children's hospital during nursing school, I knew that pediatrics was close to my heart, and absolutely found my calling in the NICU. Unfortunately, the NICU intership has been cancelled due to the economy and I must look for employment elsewhere. This is very disheartening as I worked very hard (graduated 4.0 & clinical leadership awards) to ensure that I was as prepared as possible for this challenging career. I can only hope that the economy improves and I can begin to work on fulfilling my next dream of being a NICU nurse.

To all the nurses that mentor nursing students and new grads, THANK YOU!!! I could not have succeeded without your guidance!

I'm in love with your article and I can sence the dedication you have for your carrer... I am a nursing student, graduating this year, and Hoping to get expirience in various areas of the medical field. But I would really like to be a NICU Nurse one day... Can I have you as my instructor? I hope that when I decide to become a NICU Nurse I have a mentor like You! Thanks for the inspiration ...

I would like to say that we need to get "dirty" as students. Making the clinical rounds is how we learn, and to have a working nurse take the time to show us the ropes, really helps. I personally would prefer to have someone who wants to help us, than have someone who finds us a burden. I would just like to say.." please reflect on the time you were in school, and remember how you felt when greeted positively or negatively". I all 's who welcome us to this highly respected world of nursing.

Future RN 2011,

Tricia

oh i love NICU! you don't really get to love it until you're inside caring for those babies... when i first started in NICU as a volunteer, i thought i would have a hard time since the head nurse was very strict, but as soon as i found out what love she has for her patients and their parents, i admired her so much that i really want to belong in there... so inspiring, thanks for all NICU nurses who care not only to their patients but also to us volunteers, trainees or staff who are willing to learn and care... i'll strive hard so that i can be the best NICU nurse someday..

WOW..If only you had been around when I went through school...NICU terrified me, which meant that I wanted to know everything, and no one would tell me when I was put with them. The nurses in there were rude, and pretty much just stuck us in a corner out of the way...Of course they don't hire LPN's, so not sure why they stuck us in there for clinicals...Those babies are absolutely amazing though.

I am in nursing school, and NICU is calling my name. My twin boys were NICU babies and I can't wait to be a NICU RN.

I am starting prerequisites at my local community college. My goal is to get into nursing school. I am determined to succeed one day. I spent 4 days at childrens hospital with my 5 week old daughter. When we were discharged, I had made up my mind to pursue nursing. I wish to work as a pediatric nurse. Do you need additional education to work in the NICU? The NICU was across the hall from where my daughter was at the time she was born. I was so intrigued and wanted so much to go through those doors. I imagine the work must be double hard but the emotional reward of knowing you are helping those beautiful babies is the best feeling. I only wish I can succeed.