Love the NICU, but a little overwhelmed!

[KES]

I shadowed a nurse in the NICU today and I loved it! I have been interested in it for a long time now but now I know I really do love it. I think the work the NICU nurses do is wonderful! Just one question: Did all of you feel overwhelmed at first? I mean, some of these babies have A LOT going on (as you all know). As a student it seems very overwhelming but I really want to be a NICU nurse. I would love to know if any of you felt the same way, and how long it took until you felt comfortable? Thanks a lot!!!!!!!:) :) :)

[llg, PhD, RN]

Yes. Everyone feels overwhelmed at first. It usually takes 6-9 months to start getting over that. Things are less scary after the first year.

llg

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hope that as you gain more experience it gets less overwhelming. I bet it takes time, so be patient and pat yourself on the back. Best wishes to you.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

If you weren't overwhelmed your first time in the NICU, I'd think there was something wrong with you.

First of all, it's an ICU. When you're just a student, you probably don't get much time in any type of ICU, so they all are pretty daunting at first. Even when you start working in one, it's crazy for awhile. Plus, these are tiny babies hooked up to all that equiptment, so it's emotionally overwhelming, too.

It does get better. But in the NICU, one day you might be caring for three babies with no IVs, just "growing and feeding" as we call it...and the next day be caring for one baby that is on complete life support with tons of IV drips, lines, medications, transfusions, etc. So it kind of balances itself out. You get used to all the craziness.

Good luck!