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Discussion

men and neonatal

Males interested in the ICU. I'm not sure how receptive hospitals are about having men in the neonatal unit. But, in med surg, my back is killing me and neonatal seems like it wouln't be as bad.

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We have two men working in our NICU. One came to us from ICU, the other from Pediatrics. There is no reason you can't look for an NICU position!

Good luck!

  • Expert

There are many male nurses in NICU.

But you need to be aware of the fact that there is quite a bit of moving that goes on, full isolettes get moved to other depts for exams all of the time, and that means doing quite a bit of pushing, etc. There is also quite a bit of lifting and other movements that will involve your back.

If you are having issues with your back now, suggest that you get clearance from a physician for what you should be doing and the precautions that you need to take.

Best of luck to you.

If you want to work in neonatology because you think it would be easier on your back, you are getting into it for the wrong reasons. I liken it to people wanting to get into nursing because it's great money. It's really something you feel called to do.

I worked w/ adults and yes, it is mostly easier on my back. But as Suzanne mentioned, when I have to roll a loaded up transporter to MRI or hold a screaming 10 pound baby for 20 minutes while two 6 foot tall docs try and do an LP, my back doesn't feel so good.

If your motive is sincere, then more power to you. I work with plenty of men and it's never an issue. I don't see why it should be.

  • Author

I don't necessarily feel "called" to do it - i did a quick rotation and found nothing wrong with it either. in general, i think i liked every area to some degree, but each has pros/cons, and i have to weigh them against each other....

  • Expert

I work in newborn nursery and postpartum. I can attest that my back hurts way worse after 12 hours in the nursery than after moving and rolling and cleaning fresh c/s or postop women.

NICU here... no problems with guys. there are a few at my hospital - it's a 40 bed level 3.

Babies feel awfully heavy when you're giving them their last bath. Please read the "Hardest things to deal with in NICU" thread before you make your decision. I'm not saying you shouldn't transfer, but just because the patients are smaller doesn't make it an easy job. And like someone said, isolettes are HEAVY. I also fully wrenched my back once when a term kid I was feeding somehow managed to stand up and try to jump out of my lap.

We are a level 3 nursery and have 4 men working in the unit. We had 5 for a while but he left because it was "harder on his back" than he thought it would be. He was very tall and found it difficult to bend over when doing IV's and lab draws, plus as others have mentions the heavy isolettes.

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