If I have 2 at the same time, I also start with the less time-consuming patient. It might be because they're a faster eater, their parents aren't in for that feeding, they're all NG, they have less on-going issues, etc. Otherwise, this is kind of how...
Auscultation/aspiration on initial placement. Confirmation of position by number markings on the tube, as well as aspirate every feeding/assessment. Also confirm on each x-ray that's taken.
For the most part, you'll get better with practice. If anyone is expecting you to reposition without any guidance or help, they're looking for some extubations. That's just not reasonable. Be confident in advocating for your baby. That includes askin...
70% for 1 week. 50% for the second week. Off after 14 days since even the ELBW's skin is mature by then. Then the bed is changed out and they start fresh. All O2 is humidified.
We use the Tegaderm that's made especially for securing IV's. It comes with two extra medipore strips for chevroning the hub and securing the tubing. They're small enough that they don't extend beyond the Tegaderm edges. With the babies that nothing ...
We use Neobars for everyone. I have a little bit of a love/hate relationship with them. When they work, they work very well, adhere nicely, stand-up to a lot of movement and secretions, etc.....but when they don't (or are used/measured incorrectly), ...
The answer really depends on your course content. No two nursing programs offer all of the same information. Some offer core component classes that refresh the information, and some push you right out of the gate. In general...yes, a working knowled...
For us, strict I/O is the standard on admit. We'll continue it by order for anyone NPO, with cardiac/renal/glucose issues, or really any baby who might remotely need it. Once the baby is stable, we might continue doing it just because the nurses thin...
Our hospital doesn't require a BSN to work in the NICU, and our unit is probably fairly even with both ADN and BSN nurses. Whether or not it would help, in my opinion, depends on the individual educational programs and what type of work history you b...
There was a nice recognition from the administration and several other units in the hospital, we had some of our equipment set up in a main lobby so people could see what we do on a daily basis, and we had a potluck on both shifts. So...nothing expen...
We try to keep the layers down, and are aware of the recommendations from Giraffe. The developmental positioning/containment trumps the mattress benefits for us, though. So..... After a layer that covers the mattress, there's a gel pillow for all bab...
I would completely echo many of the sentiments already given. These are my personal requests.... I don't mind people who telecommute at the bedside....work on their NICU diary in a digital format....or upload baby's current round of pictures to thei...
We provide parents with their baby's medical labels, and they write the date and time of collection on each label before placing it on their syringe/bottle. When it comes to retrieving the milk from the freezer/fridge we double check independently, t...
We do have a formula prep room. We're not supposed to prepare any feedings at the bedside. For additives, we use the Enfamil HMF at either 1:25 or 1:50, beneprotein, and Prolacta. If we fortify with formula, we typically use the ready-to-feed and mi...
We troll down the list of RNs and/or ancillary staff who aren't already scheduled and beg. If we have an appropriate assignment, we utilize RNs from peds or SI. If those things don't work, our hospital approves an additional cash incentive to encoura...