I can't stop dreaming about the NICU!

[babyCNP]

Hi all,

My name is Jenna and I am a new grad nurse in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. I have been working there since the end of July. I love my job and am extremely happy with where I am at; I couldn't imagine myself doing any thing else. I am pretty comfortable in the environment. I have been working night shift for about a month and a half now. My problem is, however, when I get home and its time to go to sleep, I can't actually relax and get into a deep sleep. Literally every time its time to sleep after I work, I get into that "twilight" zone where I'm not awake but I'm not sleeping, and I "dream" that I'm at work and I'm super busy, babies are crying and need to be fed, or there's a baby that needs something and I can't figure out what it is. I wake up several times and tell myself, "you're at home, go to sleep, there's no babies here!" but as soon as I settle back down I go right back into the dream again. I need help, I literally feel like I'm going crazy and I'm losing lots of sleep over this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much!

Jenna, RN BSN

Level 3 NICU - Cleveland OH

[jpeters84]

I'm a newgrad in a Level III NICU as well and I had the same exact dreams. They finally went away for me at about 8/9 months. I'm also now sleeping a lot better. I think your body adjusts, your psyche adjusts, and you start to relax and just feel more comfortable with it. The responsibility of it all isn't so terrifying on a non-stop basis like it was at first. Have faith that these dreams will stop and that you are not alone. I think the dreams that babies are still in your home crying and needing your attention is pretty common for new grads in the NICU. Good luck! I am sure you are doing great!