NICU newbie

[jess_m]

I have my first nursing job and it is in a level III NICU. I am so excited because this is what I always knew I was meant to do and when I am there I feel like the luckiest person alive because they actually pay me to do this!

I was wondering if those of you who are more seasoned have any words of wisdom for me as I start this new career.

[edynjoy]

Congrats to ya! Don't have any words of true words of wisdom for you.( I just started NICU myself ) The one thing that I can say is to be open-minded and prepare to learn. Everything that you thought you knew.....scratch that, and start with a clean slate...tabla rasa.

Good Luck

[jess_m]

Oh I knew that I would be learning everything from scratch. That kind of nursing just isn't taught in nursing school.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Congrats on the NICU job! We are really fortunate to be able to work where we do. That said, there will be bumps along the road as a new grad - days where you feel like throwing your badge on the table and walking out. Resist the urge though, because in my experience, it all balances out.