Most used NICU meds?

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi everyone. I have two interviews for NICU, and I'm not experienced in it. I'm wondering what meds you use most often so I can brush up. Thanks.

One thing to keep in mind if you're going to be doing a med calc test during the interview is that all meds given in the NICU are based on the baby's weight. Think mg/kg. I used to work with adults too and if that's what most of your experience is in you are probably used to standard med dosages not weigh based dosages just like I was. When you are a new grad and not used to doing med calc, not remembering to slow down and realize they are looking for weight based can sometimes trip you up. Take a deep breath, you'll do great!

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Specializes in Med-Surg and Neuro.

I ended up cancelling my NICU interviews. It sounds like a whole 'nother world, and after reading these posts I think there is too much of a learning curve for me. I've decided to start my career with adult acute care, and take it from there. Thanks for all the responses, though.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.
I ended up cancelling my NICU interviews. It sounds like a whole 'nother world, and after reading these posts I think there is too much of a learning curve for me. I've decided to start my career with adult acute care, and take it from there. Thanks for all the responses, though.

I hate to sound rude, but I think you just shot yourself in the foot.

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Specializes in Med-Surg and Neuro.
I hate to sound rude, but I think you just shot yourself in the foot.

Why? I was hired today for adult acute care. I'm glad I came here and realized I'm not ready for NICU. Isn't that better than getting in over my head?

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Specializes in NICU.

It depends on what your goals are. If you're happy working with adults, then you'll be fine. If you're more interested in NICU, though, it's not any easier to transition from adults than it is to start here as a new grad. Everything is different -- diagnoses, meds, reference ranges for labs and vital signs, and most importantly how you interact with your patients. NICU is its own world and nobody is ever "ready" for it straight out of school, but with a good preceptorship you learn to handle it.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

OP you are CRAY CRAY!!! :eek:

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Lol what is a cray?

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OP, the babies may not have tugged on your heart strings this time but in time they will!! :)

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.
Lol what is a cray?

Slang for wicked crazy!!

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Specializes in NICU.
These are the most used Meds in my level 3 nicu...

1. Amp/gent

2. Caffeine

3. Fluconozole- every baby with a PICC has this until PICC is DC'd for prophylaxis

4. Polyvisol

5. Morphine

6. fentenyl

7. Versed

8. Ativan

9. Hydrocortisone

10. Iron

11. Dopa, dobutamine, and ePi drips

Thanks for this list! I've started reviewing common Dx for NICU to prepare for my internship, next will be common meds :)

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