New Special Care Nursery RN

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jul 4, 2014

Check out the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. NANN | National Association of Neonatal Nurses My first hospital job was in a special care nursery; it was a temporary position that I stretched out to 2 years by applying for every position posted and going through the interview process over and over and over again. This wasn't your run-of-the-mill interview, it was like a 15 page oral exam and very intimidating. Once I figured out that they were taking the questions right out of the most recent issue of The Neonatal Network, I had it made.

Some things you should know about when you start are the effects of poor temperature control in the neonate, signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and sepsis (they're not like adults at in in these areas), causes of hyperbilirubinemia, and read up about necrotising enterocolitis.

You should also spend some time thinking about how you'll cope emotionally with some of the babies born with syndromes that are incompatible with long life and the ones born to mothers who have issues with substance abuse. Think about ethical decision-making, because at both the beginning and the end of life, there are many ethical considerations brought into play. It isn't easy to watch families struggle with choices when you have your own opinions about what is right.

Most importantly, learn something new every day. Enjoy being an important part of the lives of the families who come into your care. They will remember you forever. I promise.

TehKittehsMeow · Jul 7, 2014

That was awesome. Thank you!

Khalesi25 · Jul 8, 2014

TehKittehsMeow welcome to AN. I am also new here. It is great to have great nurses who share, advice and in general provide such an inspiration to others. I wish you the best!:):):)

TehKittehsMeow · Jul 8, 2014

Thank you! I think it's such a great way for nurses to connect and get questions answered from people who have more exp in the area.