Just got a NICU Residency!

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I am ecstatic to say I have accepted a residency in a local level III NICU! I am super excited and scared at the same time. I did my preceptorship in an adult ICU, so I have a little intensive care experience, as well as about a year experience in an adult med surg/pcu unit.

Does anyone have any advice for how I can prepare myself for the residency position? Any good books or websites I can read? I would like to start some of the book-learning about neonates asap, since I want to feel as acclimated as possible when I begin.

I would also like to mention that my hospital uses the Versant residency program. I dont know much about it... has anyone been though the program and can offer some wisdom or tips about it?

I am very very excited and I look forward to what people have to say!

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Specializes in Neonatal, NICU level IV.

Hey ABailey,

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am very excited for you. You are in for a wonderful and rewarding experience. I am currently working in a NICU and I absolutely love going to work everyday. The residency programs are structured to help you transition into your new role and will sometimes feel like you are back in school. It is good thing though because you have A LOT to learn. I precepted in a NICU and when I began I felt like I didn't know anything. :yes:

As far as resources, I can recommend a few books for you if you wanted to start studying.

1. Neofax is a wonderful drug guide and is made for neonatal dosing and use.

2. Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care is a relatively approachable book that covers a ton of information.

3. Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing is another good book and it goes into more depth. It is the "study guide" most people use for the RNC-NIC certification.

4. NRP and STABLE books are great resources to understand resuscitation and stabilization of critical neonates. Your facility will probabcongraly put you through these courses but if you can find a used copy for cheap, they will help you a lot.

Again welcome to the world of NICU nursing and congratulations on your new role.

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