I am officially a NICU nurse!

Published

Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

I have a few questions!

I just got my job offer to work in the NICU and was wondering what stethoscopes you recomend.

I was looking at the Littman master cardiology becasue it has a pediatric attachment with it. I was going to get this one for adults because I have used one before and can hear really good out of it. I have the classic II right now but definately want to upgrade.

I was also wondering which reference books you recomend? I am seriously looking at this book http://www.amazon.com/Curriculum-Neonatal-Intensive-Nursing-AWHONN/dp/1437702600/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273604914&sr=8-2

It's the neonatal book that I've seen recomended the most.

Anything else I should know or need going into this?

I start on Thursday!!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Well, I'd talk to your manager/educator first. Some NICUs provide stethoscopes and each baby has their own. This is a huge infection control measure for vulnerable infants. So, you might not need to purchase one at all.

Second, if you work in a Level III NICU that includes micro-preemies, I think an adult stethoscope with a pediatric attachment will not work very well for your small patients. Micros don't have a very big thorax, and the surface can be fairly curved, so a pediatric sized might make it hard to hear anything, much less differentiate at all between different areas. If you will have small babies, I would really look at a neonatal Littman.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I use a pediatric stethoscope for big NBs, and a neonatal for the little guys. Disinfect it frequently.

My preference for reading is Merenstein and Gardner. They just came out w/a new edition. Amazon.com: Merenstein s Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care (9780323067157): Sandra Lee Gardner MS RN CNS PNP, Brian Carter, Mary I Enzman-Hines, Jacinto A. Hernandez MD MHA: Books

Also, Neofax: Amazon.com: Neofax 2009 (9781563637476): Thomas E., M.D. Young, Barry Mangum: Books

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

In my NICU, each baby has their own stethoscope at the bedside. We use the Littman Neonatal stethoscope and I clean it right before I do my first assessment. Sometimes even the neonatal stethoscope takes up almost the whole chest of a tiny 23-24 weeker. I agree with the book recommendations. The Merenstein & Gardner text didn't start to make much sense to me until I had been on the unit a little while. I also purchased the S.T.A.B.L.E book, but haven't really read much of it yet.

Congratulations on the job!

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Specializes in Level II & III NICU, Mother-Baby Unit.

Congratulations!!!

The book you referenced in your post is my favorite. I also love the one called "Neonatology: Management, Procedures, On-Call Problems, Diseases and Drugs" by Tricia Lacy Gomella. It's a Lange book published by MGraw-Hill. I have the newest edition (sixth edition) and love it. ISBN# 978-0-07-154431. The Merenstein Garnder book is excellent as well. Be sure to get a Neofax (one is published each year generally) and look up and understand every drug before you administer it. Try to go home each day and read a bit on the treatments, diagnoses and medications/IV fluids of the babies you care for each day; it helps to be able to put a face with the knowledge.

I have never worked anywhere that the NICU did not supply stethoscopes. As someone else said infection is a big, very big issue in the NICU because the babies have such weak immune systems. Each baby should have their own stethoscope, thermometer, and supplies just for them to help avoid infections. If you do end up having to buy one I also suggest the Littman Neonatal Stethoscope as the others have mentioned.

Wishing you a wonderful NICU career!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Congratulations! I just got offered a level III NICU job too! I am also interested in finding out what reference books to read so I hope you don't mind me hitch hiking on your post. Good luck on your new career!

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

Our NICU uses Merenstien so I ordered that one as well. For now I have the Core Curriculum (had it 2nd day delivered) and am studying that. I'm learning a lot but it is more of an outline than actual reading. I'm looking forward to the Merenstein book to see if it's more reading. The Core Curriculum is great for reviewing though!

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I hope you Guys dont mind me cuting in i want to be a neonatal nurse aswell i graduated in 08 but due to a high risk pregnancy had to hold off schooling. Im ready to start my career and being a neonatal nurse has been my dream job for many years i truely respect nicu nurses and doctors aswell as any other nurse. My question To you is What are the steps i have to take to become a neonatal nurse i know their are 3 levels i would love working in any level of the nicu. I would also love to know what schools would be good aswell i live in wpb fl your replys would help me so much.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

Congrats on the job. It's a great feeling, isn't it?

I started in my NICU 6 months ago, and my wife bought me the Littman Neonatal steth as a graduation present. I like it a lot.

As for the books, it was recommended to me to get the Core Curriculum book, and it too was bought for me as a grad gift. I admit I haven't spent a LOT of time in the book, but it's a handy reference when I come across new things or things I'm not fully up to snuff on.

Good luck with the babies. They rock. :)

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Pediatrics.

I don't mean to butt in on your thread, but I want to know where all of you recently found employment in NICU. I have been trying to get into a NICU for over 3 years and have not had any luck! NICU is my passion and is the only place I have ever wanted to work and have a life long career. However, since I have been unable to find employment in the NICU, I had to force myself to take other positions.

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Specializes in NICU.

RNPIC-- San Antonio Texas is where I am working

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Specializes in NICU.

CONGRATS!!!!! I just got hired into a level III NICU as a new grad! It is so exciting! Congrats again!

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