Am I meant for the NICU?

[Babynur16]

So a little back history....I am 23 years old and worked in the newborn nursery night shift for almost 2 years. I worked as a "baby catcher" where I would attend deliveries and also did charge. I decided it was time for me to leave and learn more because there was so much you could learn in a well baby nursery so I transferred to our NICU level 3 and am currently on orientation. I am on my last 2 weeks of orientation (which they gave me a total of 6 weeks) and I honestly just don't know anynore I made the right choice. I just keep doubting myself and thinking if I'm even smart enough for it. I know many people say u will learn as you are on your own but I guess you can say I'm a bit scared. So far I have been able to do many of the task and am able to properly care for the infants but I just am a bit scared. Any advice from my fellow nicu nurses?

[brownbook]

Anyone in the health care business who is NOT a little scared, cautious, worried about what if's, etc., is a fool, from a new grad to a 40 years experienced doctor, nurse, CNA, etc.

However you cannot be worried to the point you can't think, are frozen like a deer in the headlights. Try to relax, tell yourself your worries are a good thing, keeps you on your toes. In a few more months, (years, ha ha) many tasks, procedures, situations, will become routine and your worries will lessen.

It is good to have in the back of your mind the what if's; am I prepared, is the suction set up, where is the crash cart, etc. But as I said not to the point you can't function!

You said you are able to do the tasks and properly care for the infants, so you sound like the type of nurse I would want watching my baby.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I totally understand OP's feelings. Years ago, I transferred to NICE as a very experienced (CCRN & CNRN) nurse - because I though I wanted something different. It was overwhelmingly difficult and stressful for me. I experienced a barrage of ethical issues that I never had to deal with when I was working with adults. I scampered back to my adult patients as quickly as I could.

Totally agree with PP - nurses who are entrusted to care for these tiny precious beings should always be hypervigilant and act with extreme caution at all times. You're a special breed.

[Cat365]

I think that it is a bit early to judge. Give it a year. Any new focus has a period of "what was I thinking?" No one ever said growing was comfortable or easy.

I remind myself of that daily. I happen to like my ruts just fine thank you and I have to remind myself that without change there cannot be growth.