can't decide between the NICU and ER

[JulieRN07]

Hey there everyone! I am a recent LPN-RN graduate. I was offered a position in a level 3 NICU. My son was born premature and I was extremely greatful to the nurses in the NICU that took care of him, and have always wanted to work there-my only concern is that it won't be fast paced enough for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!

[Sweeper933]

ABG's: yes, most everywhere, doing an art stick for all kinds of labs including ABG's is common, some of our RN's know how to run the machine that analyzes the sample but mostly it's the RT's who run the machine.

Intubating: some places, but only with extra training, our unit has several RN's who intubate but they are all the most experienced.

Inserting Chest tubes: I've never heard of RN's doing this, maybe some NNP's do this?

While on most units nurses are not responsible for actually doing these procedures, we are responsible for assisting with them. You have to know what supplies you need, and what the doc will be wanting you to do - whether it's monitoring the vitals and suctioning while they are trying to intubate, getting the collection chamber ready for once the chest tube is in.... the list goes on!