awkward Nicu Mom/nicu nurse

[krltdy]

Hi all! So, I'm getting ready to start nursing school in July. My ultimate goal is to be in the NICU where my daughter was. We were there for nearly 4 months, and really got to know most everyone there. There were so many lovely people there!

Here's the thing, during our 4 month NICU stint, there were days I just couldn't think straight, didn't know what day it was, or would just completely say the wrong thing at the wrong time. I was on HBP, anxiety, and depression meds. It was just really a very hard time. They really didn't get to know the real me, KWIM? I'm afraid what they will remember about me is that I couldn't even remember what day it was. My hope is that they will understand the immense amount of pressure and heartache I was going through at the time.

What do you guys think? Think I've got a chance, or have I made a bad impression as a nicu mom?

Thanks so much for your replies!

[NIGHTWOLF87]

so you will be starting nursing school in july? that means you will graduate in approx 2 years or a little less? by then, i doubt that everyone will remember who you were. and who knows, perhaps the staff will be totally different by then, so relax! you have the advantage of seeing both sides of the nicu from a parents perspective as well as a soon to be rns view. and besides, most of the parents in our nicu, especially the micro preemies, need constant reinforcement on even the simplest things. these are highly stressful times for parents, and half the time they forget what we as nurses tell them, so i wouldn't worry too much about it.

good luck in nursing school and your career! keep us informed as how things go for you!

[300g]

I think it's great that you would like to work NICU after your experience. You will have a special advantage in relating to the parents of your patients. As NICU nurses, we understand the HBP, anxiety, and depression meds and stress that you go through with your child in our hands. I wouldn't worry about that aspect of it.

However, I highly recommend that you don't work as a RN in the same unit that your daughter was in. To be quite honest, you may learn things about the unit that you really don't want to/shouldn't know. That's just MHO but I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!

[hikernurse]

I always tell parents that they will ask the same questions over and over again and the only time we worry is when they don't :). We never expect new moms to be completely oriented--esp. when their baby is sick. You have way too much on your minds!

Believe me, you don't sound that high on the radar as far as nurses remembering your "interesting and unique" behavior, LOL. Besides, half the time I don't remember what day it is...maybe I work in the NICU because I don't have to orient my patients when I'm not oriented myself .

Good luck on nursing school--it's a wild ride, but you'll be glad you did it :).

[littlepeach]

I have mastered the skill of forgetting most people after discharge. It took me a long time, but in the end it's the best for my family and my all around mental health, so I doubt they'll remember you. What you can focus on is trying to be the best student possible while in the NICU and that would give them a great reason to remember you!!