How many NICU nurses were NICU parents?

[LetMeNICU]

I've just started taking classes working towards an ABSN and am aspiring to be a NICU nurse.

This pursuit is a second career for me and I've felt drawn towards it because of my experience (16 years ago now!) having a child in the NICU for just over 4 weeks. The impact the nursing staff had on me was profound and is something I've never forgotten.

I've heard anecdotally that a notable percentage of NICU nurses got into the specialty because of their personal experience having a child cared for in the NICU and am just curious to hear from anyone else who has had that experience or know others who have.

thanks

p.s.- I hope this isn't a repeat thread...I looked but didn't see one addressing this topic

[NICUmomNICUnurse]

I am a former NICU mom, turned NICU RN. I think it helped me in getting my first NICU job 11 years ago. And, yes there are a lot of moms in my unit who had their babies in the NICU. I can think of 6 off the top of my head, and we are a small unit. But, all the rest were already NICU nurses.

Good luck in your schooling and career.

[ToriRNtoBe, LPN]

I am a tech in the NICU right now, and set to graduate in December and begin my nursing career here. My son was in the NICU in 2016 and I went back to school for nursing by the time he was 6 months old. It just hits us NICU mamas a certain way I think!

[Future_GA_nurse, CNA, EMT-B]

I'm a career changer and former NICU mom hoping to be a NICU nurse after my ABSN and passing of my NCLEX.

[snofleighk14]

I was a PICU mom, but my son was an infant. I absolutely LOVE being in the NICU. I do feel like my experience has driven my desire to be there.

[kuroangel1]

Late to the discussion. I am a NICU RN and my baby had to spend four weeks in the NICU in May. It was so difficult, but with my knowledge, it helped me get by. I was very grateful to the NICU staff. Being on the other side was eye opening.