NICU nurses thoughts for a potential NICU Nurse

[JdNNurse2B]

Hi everyone.

I graduate in a few months and am very interested in NICU. I was wondering who the NICU nurses were here, what are some of your most memorable experiences and what made you want to be a NICU nurse. As with any specialty in nursing I think it takes a special person to do NICU. There are some specialties that I just could not see myself in and in others I would love. My two top being L&D and NICU. When I first started thinking about nursing school as a second career choice my first thought was that I wanted to do NICU. I spent some time in some of my rotations in the NICU and absolutely loved it. Those wee ones need not only someone who will pay attention to the small details but someone who is truly passionate and caring and who loves children. That just my opinion. But I would love to hear what others have felt and experienced! Thanks in advance!

[ilstu99]

Hello. :) I'm a pretty new NICU nurse, and I really love it. There are so many things - introducing a parent to the baby they've never "met"....updating the parents who have to be in another hospital and reassuring them.....offering big tough daddies a box of kleenex....encouraging them to hold and provide some care when their baby's ready....baby's first tub bath....when they start to make eye contact.....providing comfort.....knowing that they rely on me for every little thing.....advocating for what the babies and their families need....teaching parents and watching their confidence grow.....taking "going home" pictures....."thank you" cards and return visits with pictures!

And I know it sounds weird, but I "like" taking care of the babies who are not doing well, and likely won't survive. I like bringing them and their families as much peace as I can, and I think I do it well. An odd niche, but whatever works.

Mainly - I prefer the critical care environment. I prefer fewer patients, and being responsible for all of their care. I'm sure some of it is the control freak in me.

It's not for everyone, that's for sure. I've seen a few orientees choose a different department after a couple of weeks with us. It can be draining, and intense and irritating and a huge rush....all at the same time. If it tells you anything, I just worked 7 of 9 12-hour shifts, and I still like my job. :)

Good luck to you, in whatever you choose.