New Grad in NICU Orientation

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Hi everyone, I just started working in a level III NICU 2 weeks ago as a new grad. I've posted on here a few times during my job search that NICU is where I've always wanted to be, and I feel very happy/thankful to be where I'm at. But, the orientation at my hospital is only 10-12 weeks and at 2 weeks in, I'm feeling the pressure of time already.

I'm taking 3 patients (all pretty much feeders/growers) as independently as possible right now, but haven't had the chance to take sicker babies yet. I don't feel my critical thinking skills are there hardly at all yet, and I'm terrified of making a mistake...I'm just not sure if I'm progressing well or not. I feel so nervous every day I work that I can hardly force myself to eat breakfast in the morning...Is this at all normal? Is there anyone else who went through feeling like this when you were new? Maybe part of it is I moved on my own for the job, and there's just an overwhelming amount of new things/people to get used to. There's still no doubt in my mind NICU is where I want to be...I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that it will get better and that I'm not alone in how I feel. Any thoughts are appreciated! :)

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Specializes in Neonatal, NICU level IV.

Sent you a PM... :cheeky::snurse::yes::nurse::cheeky:

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Join NANN. They have an orientation video series. Go to as many deliveries as possible and ask for a sicker assignment. You definitely need a baby with lines and on drips before you're on your own. Good luck!

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Thanks for the PM VintageSwagger!! Hayloftbham, I am already a member of NANN...where do you access the orientation video series...I assume it's on their website? I'll have to look for that, sounds like it would be really helpful. I have had a few babies on lines/drips, but it's been really limited due to the patients we have right now. They have a set time frame for giving orientees feeder/growers and sicker babies, but I'll do my best to try and get the sicker ones as soon as I can. Thanks for the good luck wishes!

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Specializes in NICU.

Is there any NICU nurse (or really, any nurse in general) who didn't feel petrified during their orientation? I know I was. Never felt on top of things, constantly confused and running behind, and even got dragged up in front of the CNS by my preceptor to query whether or not I even cared (as I tend to internalize when I'm feeling upset or out of my depth).

Five years later, I'm still here, and can't imagine doing anything else. You're only two weeks in. Give it time -- it will come :yes:

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First of all, you've only been there for 2 weeks... Give yourself a break! I think you are starting out strong if they entrust you with the majority of care on a three baby assignment... Even if it is level 2 type of kids, you need that experience with healthier babies so that you will be able to identify the kids who are getting sick.

I agree obviously before you leave orientation you should take care of babies on drips, HFJV, HFOV, conventional vents and take admissions. If by the 8th or 9th week you don't feel comfortable on your own, ask your educator for an extension. Yes, nerves are normal but if you feel you haven't been given the opportunity to care for some of the highest acuity kids on your unit independently or mostly independently, you should ask for that extension. There is nothing wrong with getting a more thorough experience. Personally, I think a 10 week orientation to NICU is nuts... I had a solid 16 weeks with the possibility of extension but didn't take my educator up on her offer (she asks all GNs if they need/want an extension) because 1) I felt I had an adequate skill set to appropriately care for my babies 2) I felt my colleagues could/would support me if I happened to experience something I hadn't experienced on orientation... Which inevitably WILL happen! Good luck. I think you are off to a good start fromwhat you described above.

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So sorry for my late response!! Thank you for your great responses Coffee Nurse and zues&lincoln!! I'm a few more weeks (4) in now, and feeling a little better. I agree that 10 weeks (especially as a new grad) is not enough, but not much I can do about that. It feels good to know that there are others who have felt constantly behind, confused, etc...I'm finding that nursing school didn't prepare me well at all for being a real nurse! I will definitely ask for an extension of my orientation if I'm not feeling ready, but I'm not sure where they stand on offering that. There's so much to know, I don't think you'll ever feel completely ready to be off orientation! :)

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Specializes in NICU.

What are your coworkers like as resources?

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Specializes in NICU.

I just started in the NICU as a new grad last year. I was on orientation for 14-16 weeks and felt that it was enough time to gain the skill set and critical thinking skills I needed. Now don't get me wrong, I know I'm no expert, but I learn something new every day. The nurses on my unit are great resources and whenever I encounter something new they're always there for me and will help if needed. Don't be afraid to ask for help or that you're going to look stupid. They would rather you ask then to make a mistake and risk the babies health.

You can PM me if you want :)

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