new grad in NICU

cherokeesummer · Oct 5, 2007

Hi there, I think 12 weeks is probably an average but I don't know if its enough :), guess it depends!

I am a new grad that started at a level four nicu. I had a few months of internship during my senior course in a level three nicu but still nothing prepared me for work on the unit. So I am thankful for the 14 weeks we are supposed to get. I am hoping we get the full 14 weeks!

I do think a newborn nursery is probably a good place because then at least you can get comfortable with the "normal" babies. I wish we had more exposure in school but unfortunately there is not enough time to get all the exposure! Anyway, have fun!

fmrnicumom · Oct 5, 2007

Just wanted to wish you luck!

Tiffany

wee one rn · Oct 5, 2007

:welcome: That isn't a dumb question at all, it's very good that you are concerned about an adequate orientation.

I started as a new grad in a Level III/IV (we do everything including ECMO) and didn't have any problems, I had a 12 week orientation. I had a little extra experience with term newborns from nursing school (I did my practicum in post partum) and that was helpful because then you do know and are comfortable with the 'norms'. Frequently in the NICU parents are concerned about every little startle. I've found it very helpful to be able to reassure them that it is a normal newborn reflex. One thing to keep track of though, how long will you be orienting in the nursery and then how long will you have in the Level III portion?

Keep us updated on how it's going!

NewEnglandRN, RN · Oct 5, 2007

12 weeks sounds about right. I have one year Med-Surg and received 6 weeks orientation for the NICU (however, 1 week was general hospital orientation/ computers/ etc). I am in a Level 3 (no ECMO).

I would have loved some time in the Newborn Nursery to get comfortable with assessments!

Good luck and don't hestitate to ask questions!

NurseKaytlin · Oct 11, 2007

Oh my gosh, I didn't realize I was getting so much feedback!!! Well, i'm new on this thing! (haven't logged on since I last posted this thread)

Thank you for all the comments....

They're going to train me in newborn nursery for about a month, and nicu after. The training is suppose to last 12 weeks, but if I don't feel ready, then they will extend the training, so that I will feel comfortable. I hope it turns out okay.

I'm a little nervous though!!! :uhoh21:

KatRN25 · Oct 18, 2007

Hi Kaytlin,

I too am a new grad. I will be working in a level III NICU, and I am starting off working in the intermediate nursery.We get a total of 6 month orientation. I'm very nervous too, but I think one strategy I'm going to take is to ask lots of questions!. Good luck to you!

NurseKaytlin · Nov 10, 2007

Hi Kaytlin,
I too am a new grad. I will be working in a level III NICU, and I am starting off working in the intermediate nursery.We get a total of 6 month orientation. I'm very nervous too, but I think one strategy I'm going to take is to ask lots of questions!. Good luck to you!

Is the hospital you're working at offering any classes for NICU?

2curlygirls · Nov 10, 2007

I started as a new grad in a level III. I had 12 weeks orientation. It took me a full year however to feel *comfortable* They had us work our way up the acuity ladder. It's a steep learning curve.

You have to feel comfortable asking questions. Very important!

Sweeper933 · Nov 10, 2007

I started as a new grad in a level III. I had 12 weeks orientation. It took me a full year however to feel *comfortable* They had us work our way up the acuity ladder. It's a steep learning curve.
You have to feel comfortable asking questions. Very important!

Same here!

NurseKaytlin · Nov 11, 2007

did you guys have to take any neonatal critical care classes while working on the floor?

bubbly · Nov 12, 2007

In my NICU, new grads had a total of 2 weeks of NICU classes that were taught at the hospital.