I"m graduating in May and am very interested in working in the NICU at some point. I used to be one of those people who looked at people like you and said "how on earth can you work with such sick babies?!?!" but then I had my daughter last year...a 34 weeker (4lb, 5oz) and spent 2 weeks practically living in the NICU and compeltely changed my mind! My daughter's nurses were fabulous! One in particular really sticks out in my mind and I would love to be able to reassure other parents the way she reassured me.
So my question is this...what would be the best way to get into the NICU? I was planning on starting off in Peds (seems like a natural progression) but I was in the ICU for clinical today and the nurse I was working with said that I would probably be better off in an adult ICU setting to get experience with all the meds, drips and such. My main problem with this is that I don't really like working with adults. Kids are more my thing...they whine less!
So...what do you suggest? I figure I'm better off getting advice from those who are actually in the area I want to be in. Any input? Thanks!
I applied for this NICU internship last wednesday and was called on Saturday for an interview. I went to the interview today and I think it went well but not to sure if they liked me or fit their category. They have a level III unit that is expanding within the next year or so. Their internship is 6 months of classroom time including time on the floor. The manager mentioned they had 14 applicants and out of those 14 their only picking 6. At the end of the interview I told her I was fluent in spanish so that would also be good to have a nurse who knows spanish. She is setting up a panel discussion for us to ask the new nurses questions since they just finished the internship. I should know if I'm hired April 24th. Wish me luck!! I'll keep you all posted.
I spent a year in the newborn nursery (ABX therapy, IVIG, Phototherapy, Fluid therapy) at a academic medical center and then went to the NICU. The nurse manager does hire new grads, but says that it is good to learn what a normal baby looks like to know a sick one. Plus, it gave me a a step ahead on getting labs, doing IV's, giving meds, etc. It was a good experience, but after a year i was ready for a little more of a challenge. if you cant find a NICU position, try newborn first...they arent all just healthy regular babies and it is a great place to get a grasp on assessment skills.
JaxiaKiley
1,782 Posts
Good luck!
I think I might want to do NICU, so I'm lurking this forum. Thanks for this great information!