Is there a problem in the Neonatal ICU at UNC?

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I am moving to North Carolina and I was checking out the websites of some hospitals with NICUs to see if there are any full time RN positions open. On the UNC site, there are 21 full time positions in the New Born Critical Care Center. Twenty one :eek: !!! Does anybody who works there know why there are so many openings?

Thanks so much for the info! Is staffing time split between the high acuity and the step down nursery, or can you choose to spend most of your time in the intensive care unit? I don't mind taking my turn if necessary in intermediate care, but I don't want to spend half or more of my time in intermediate.

I assume that there are also 1:1 ratios, or are the assignments always 2:1?

At UNC is rotating shifts required, or can you choose to work straight nights or days? Do you know what the weekend requirement is for UNC?

UNC is more innovative than most...it's one large unit of 6 pods with nurses being expected to be well rounded and care for all babies no matter the acuity or room they are assigned to....so it's the babies who determine the care and ratios... from the delivery suite to discharge. Of course there may be 1:1 assignments, but in reality those kids either pass on or get "better" (improve enough) in 24-48 hours to be paired with another patient. People are hired in as day/night rotators and there are weekends, they tell you everyother weekend, but some people prefer to work more weekends, so it just depends, so I end up working about every third weekend ususally by choice..

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What about new grads working in the NICU? Any comments on that? :)

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I have been thinking of relocating to eastern n.c. any info on the nicu out there? Such as new hanover or pitt?

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What about new grads working in the NICU? Any comments on that? :)

I started as a new grad and there is a really nice supported program for new grads as well as other employees. The manager is also great about understanding the need for time for a new nurse to developed. They are treated very well, but then again so is everyone here.

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Hey tarheelnurse, would you get a referral bonus if I give your real name on my application? Do ya'll get any kind of recruitement perks there if someone is hired?

I am about to apply, if you want to send me your real name via PM I will put it on my application.

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This sounds like a manager's answer, don't you think?

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yes UNC nurses do get referral bonuses.... I am not tarheel nurse, but to answer your question.... YES

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Specializes in GI,Rehab, Ortho/Neuro.

From being a parent of one of a patient in the NICU for 2 weeks. The nurses were wonderful and supportive of the families and of each other. I learned so much from them I will never forget. I can not speak to the staff turn over, but to the compassion give.

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