New to nicu

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I'm not a new nurse but will be new to the nicu. I accepted a position in a level IIIC NICU. Just curious, I have never worked with kids before---do I need to get one of those tiny baby stethoscopes? Any books or blogs or reading material you all recommend in the next couple weeks so I don't walk in looking completely lost? :)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Ask the educator in your new position for recommendations. Most NICU's provide neonatal stethoscopes. They don't want germs carried from bed to bed. Some also provide educational materials for new employees -- or at least have good references available on the unit for easy access. So ask the unit educator for a recommendation. She should know about the resources readily available to the staff and which books, etc. would be a good choice for you to purchase yourself.

I don't work in a NICU currently, but was a NICU educator for several years. I recommend having at least 1 good neonatal nursing book at home -- and joining one of the 2 professional associations for NICU nurses. (ANN and/o NANN) Both associations offer written resources, a journal, conferences, etc. that will help you develop your knowledge and skills -- and keep you updated.

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

All of the NICUs I know of provide stethoscopes. Each baby has their own stethoscope to only be used on them, and the nurses clean and share them.

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Great! I had a feeling that would be the case with the stethoscopes, but glad to hear I don't have to shell out for that :)

From what I have heard, there's a great education program already in place on the unit so I'll just look forward to jumping into that.

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Specializes in NICU.

I work in a level 3 NICU and we were required to buy our own infant stethoscopes :) but I was told of this at my interview. We only use individual stethoscopes for isolated patients.

I recommend Merenstein& Garner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care. It is a great resource. I read five or six chapters before I started and it really helped to prepare me and put me a step ahead of the game.

Good luck :)

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
I work in a level 3 NICU and we were required to buy our own infant stethoscopes :) but I was told of this at my interview. We only use individual stethoscopes for isolated patients.

I recommend Merenstein& Garner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care. It is a great resource. I read five or six chapters before I started and it really helped to prepare me and put me a step ahead of the game.

Good luck :)

My job in the NICU actually requires me to purchase this book. Looks like I'll be shelling out $60 soon.

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Try to wait a couple weeks if you can---I looked the book up and seems like a brand new edition hits shelves in May! :)

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

I saw that too. I won't start until June probably, so I could wait.

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