Advice - work as NICU equip tech as a student?

Gompers, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2006

I'd take it. Don't be offended that you don't get to do patient care - there is a reason for that! The NICU is a critical care unit, after all. Yes, some units do have nursing assistants helping care for the babies, but really, many of these babies are so fragile - it's too much of a risk to have non-RN staff caring for them. Even a "stable" baby, a "feeder-grower" as we call them, can get sick LIKE THAT. We've had codes in our step-down area!

Besides, what you need to do is get yourself INSIDE a NICU, period. When you graduate, a nurse manager will see that you worked in a NICU during school and therefore have an idea as to what goes on there. I've seen a lot of new grads without NICU experience leave within a year because they can't handle the ups and downs that come with caring for critically ill infants. It just wasn't what they expected, you know? By spending time in a NICU outside of school, you'll see what it's all about before you have to decide where your first RN job is.

Plus, if this particular NICU does employ patient care techs, you would probably be first in line for one of the positions because it's easier to get hired from within the system, especially within the unit. But like I said, don't worry about the patient contact too much - you'll learn all you need to know when you become an RN and have your orientation.

The job I had my senior year in nursing school was similar to what you describe - no real patient contact. Sometimes if a baby was really cranky they'd have me hold it, but that's about it. Most of the time I was stocking the unit, cleaning the equiptment, answering the phones, running errands.

BUT I was right there. I was putting orders into the computer when a baby got sick, learning through osmosis the kind of support they needed. During a code, I'd be running around getting things and helping out. When I'd stock the unit, I'd ask what this or that was for, and the nurses would explain things to me. I saw the good times and the bad times.

If I had to choose between that job, or one in, say, a newborn nursery feeding and doing vitals on babies, I'd chose the NICU one again in a second. The exposure I got there was the validation I needed that it was where I wanted to begin my nursing career.

Good luck!

fleur-de-lis, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2006

Thanks for the advice - I think you're right. The interview went well, though she has one more person to interview. I was told that there is a good possibility of being able to move into an RN position when I graduate, but they don't hire many new grads for pt care positions because of turnover, which I understand. I think just being on the unit will help me get a foot in the door. This is definitely a no pt contact position, they said I can't even give a baby a pacifier or soothe a crying baby, which I get, because most of the people in this position would not have pt care experience. I will let y'all know if I get the offer. Thanks again!!