New to the NICU

[crystalNC]

I was just informed that I will be starting a new job in the NICU in December! I am excited and thrill but mostly SO undertrained! They have a list of training/orientation to train me, but since I have never worked with peds of any kind and don't have any babies myself, I feel like I need to study before I start!

Any good study websites, books, online training?

[jm0914]

i dont have any advice sadly since im still a student. but my dream job is in the NICU and i wondered what your background was to land a job in nicu since you have no peds experience! im just hopeful and would any info :)

[zeus&lincoln]

There really isn't much you can do ahead of time to prepare... You can try to familiarize yourself by learning common neonatal illness as well as "Normal" vital signs. Most NICUs train their RNs in level 2 before moving to a higher acuity. While taking care of these more "stable" babies, you can get a good handle on their assessments, feeding regimens and parental education that is needed (this various significantly based on the parent(s) socioeconomic status, level of education, experience with babies, knowledge, etc). Once you have been in level 2 for a little while they will give you the NRP course to become certified in neonatal resuscitation. Good luck! Take a lot of notes and ask a ton of questions. I have absolutely loved my experience in the NICU thusfar!