hmm maybe time for a change....

[Annken]

I curently work in a level three NICU (been working level 3 for almost 3 yrs) and lately have been feeling the need for a change, maybe has something to do with the fact that over the past year 7 of the babies I have taken care of have passed away--now mind you they were all withdrawl of care r/t poor prognosis but I am finding that i am really starting to bring work home with me --think about it all the time and not in a positive way, thinking that I need a change, to work somewhere else for a while. Anyone else feel or have felt the same way, just needed to vent a bit.

Thanks

[iceNICUnurse]

I think everyone feels this way sometimes.

It is so normal when things have been hard to want to go away. Somehow I have always gotten over these feelings but I sure have had them.

If you feel the need to go away, just do it. You can always come back.

[Jolie, BSN]

I experienced the same thing after about 5 years of NICU nursing. I wanted a change, but not too big of one! I went to an LDRP unit, excited about learning the care of laboring moms, and figuring that post-partum would bore me, but I could live with it.

To my surprise, I found that I LOVED post-partum, and didn't care much for L&D. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, supporting new families, promoting bonding, and utilizing my NICU skills to care for our Level II babies. It was a wonderful change for me, and renewed my interest in all aspects of maternal-child health. I hope you will find a similar niche.

[doularoz]

I am having a similar problem. It seems that a majority of our families have major social issues ie. drugs, abusive homes, parents that don't seem to care to have one more baby etc. It kills me to send these kids home to a bad situation. Childrens services doesn't do a whole lot in my opinion. We had one mom that had all of her other kids taken away but she was allowed to take home her preemie. If she did well with the baby she might get her other kids back. HELLO!!! Then there are the wonderful families who seem to have more than their share of tragedy. It is terrible to watch them greive for losses and bad outcomes then deal with parents that have relatively healthy babies who don't come in or even call for a week at a time. Sorry this is so long. I too have been taking it home with me.