Advice! Starting NICU soon!

[CmlRn]

Hey there! Im new to all nurses! Always went online and read blogs in nursing school because its great for support! I should have joined sooner.

Im currently starting the NICU in a few days, I'm still considered a new grad. I worked in a long term facility for children for a few months and was offered a NICU interview and job very quickly! Im really excited but nervous. Its a level 1-4 and the training is about 6 months. I just bought Gardeners handbook for neonatal intensive care nursing. Does anyone have any advice on how to survive the NICU and what to expect? Any books that are helpful other than the one I have? My biggest fear is not being comfortable by 6 months, its so much to learn

Thanks!

[santina44]

I was a new grad when I started also and am still in training. My training was a long period of time as well. My biggest word of advice is to ASK QUESTIONS and to not be afraid to ask those questions. Hopefully you get a good preceptor who enjoys teaching and is patient. If you butt heads with your preceptor, speak up to your manager. Every time you hear about some new disease/term/etc that you have never heard of, look it up right then and there. Get familiar with lab values and their meaning in terms of how they relate to your patients. Just remember to be patient. You won't learn everything overnight and your orientation process will be overwhelming at times but don't worry because it happens to everyone. Review your hospital's policies and protocols for feeding, med admin, bath time, etc.

Good luck!