Is NICU for the soft-hearted sensitive types?

tablefor9, RN · Jan 20, 2011

If you're the sensitive type, for heaven's sake, don't do an ICU *of any kind* without some other experience. There are a lot of threads about why Med Surg is a good beginning, so I won't regurgitate all those, but I will stress that NICU isn't a place for a new grad.

Take the Ortho job for a year or so, then move on. You'll save yourself a ton of stress, and perhaps some things you can't take back.

Best wishes!

kerussll · Jan 20, 2011

Don't listen to her. I'm a new grad who just got hired in a NICU and I love it! I think I am a bit sensitive too. Everyone is bothered by the sad things you see in an ICU, but seeing a really sick baby recover and go home is so rewarding it's worth it. Some people do prefer training new grads in NICU as opposed to someone with experience on another unit. They don't have to re-learn how to do things in a different way for a new patient population. Why not job shadow a nurse in the NICU to see if you think you would like it? Pick whichever unit you want, don't let someone tell you you can't do it!

nohika · Jan 20, 2011

Don't listen to her. I'm a new grad who just got hired in a NICU and I love it! I think I am a bit sensitive too. Everyone is bothered by the sad things you see in an ICU, but seeing a really sick baby recover and go home is so rewarding it's worth it. Some people do prefer training new grads in NICU as opposed to someone with experience on another unit. They don't have to re-learn how to do things in a different way for a new patient population. Why not job shadow a nurse in the NICU to see if you think you would like it? Pick whichever unit you want, don't let someone tell you you can't do it!

I think it'd be harder to move into a NICU after Ortho - the patient populations are VASTLY different. You'd never see an infant with a hip replacement. So if you want NICU, go for it.

qaqueen · Jan 20, 2011

Ah, two really good, opposing points! Here are my two cents :twocents: . If you are offered the NICU job, you will be trained. I have seen new grads swim and sink in NICU.

If you are drawn to NICU, you may have exactly the strength you need to deal with the ups and downs. NICU can be joyful and heartbreaking, sometimes both in the same day.

The people who seem to do the best, psychologically are the ones that understand that things happen for a reason. You do not have to be religious, or especially spiritual. Logic and reason go a long way in dealing with pts expiring, especially little ones.

The nice thing is, in the NICU, you will always have someone who understands what you are feeling. The seasoned nurses have been through it and know the hardships. The new grads are scared but want to do the best they can for the preemies and the families.

If you are offered the job, I say go for it. If you are not, maybe that means that you need more time to find your "center" as a nurse.

Follow your heart!

tablefor9, RN · Jan 20, 2011

ijuanabhappy asked for experienced positions--so whether she listens or not, I do have experience. I went in to a level III ICU with no experience as a 20 yr old new grad--I don't think my office job in nursing school counts.

I'm not saying it's not do-able, I'm saying some strong med-surg background will give her an edge and save her alot of grief.

IMHO, which, unless I'm mistaken, is what was solicited, it takes a strong, confident personality with a brain like a big yellow sponge to swim strong in a unit straight out of school.

Your mileage may vary, and good luck to all of you.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

You'll need a thick skin - only you know if you have it.

I'm not discouraging you, but ICUs of every flavor do burn out a certain percentage of nurses pretty quickly. The intensity can drain you. And for those that get burned out, it's rarely a lack of smarts or desire that is the problem.

CloudySue · Jan 20, 2011

with a brain like a big yellow sponge

This metaphor just doesn't work for me... I don't want Spongebob taking care of MY baby! LOL! :lol2:

MisterSimba, BSN · Jan 20, 2011

Not speaking from experience, but you'll see things that break your heart regardless of where you end up. I loved pediatrics and am hoping to land a position in the NICU or any other peds floor. I also love the elderly but just walking into an assisted living/SNF facility makes me want to curl up in a fetal position.... You'll end up where you're meant to be!

babyNP., APRN · Jan 20, 2011

ijuanabhappy asked for experienced positions--so whether she listens or not, I do have experience. I went in to a level III ICU with no experience as a 20 yr old new grad--I don't think my office job in nursing school counts.
I'm not saying it's not do-able, I'm saying some strong med-surg background will give her an edge and save her alot of grief.
IMHO, which, unless I'm mistaken, is what was solicited, it takes a strong, confident personality with a brain like a big yellow sponge to swim strong in a unit straight out of school.
Your mileage may vary, and good luck to all of you.

Med-surg is often a killer in RNs for NICU because we have to un-teach you how to take care of adults and bad habits--those that apply to that sort of unit, but have no applicability whatsoever in the NICU. The OP is probably better off doing mother-baby, nursery, or a peds floor.

I worked on a trauma-surg floor and nothing transferred over for me when I moved to NICU; I was even mentally freaking out initially while recording my vital signs on my infant patients because my brain was trained for very different numbers...and my management actually PREFERS new grads over experienced adult nurses for hiring.

OP--I used to think that I wouldn't be able to take handling sick children, let alone infants. That was until I was actually ON a unit with sick kids during school and now at my current job. I cope much more than I gave myself credit for when I started the job. Now--it's actually a little bit more peaceful to see the little ones go because they are usually so far gone that in my heart, I feel it's better for them to go. It's always the hardest when you see the actual parental grieving, though.

carrotstix · Jan 20, 2011

After my first baby coded, I cried heavily, I was truly emotionally crushed but my coworkers hugged me and gave me support. There are so many beautiful success stories to help balance your life. There is no feeling like seeing an infant who fought for their life go home in their corificeat with their parents. If you have a passion for babies and helping families through hard times I think you should try it. Its not easy to transition back in to and you'll never know if you don't experience it for yourself!!

I love my job.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

Med-surg is often a killer in RNs for NICU because we have to un-teach you how to take care of adults and bad habits--those that apply to that sort of unit, but have no applicability whatsoever in the NICU. The OP is probably better off doing mother-baby, nursery, or a peds floor.
I worked on a trauma-surg floor and nothing transferred over for me when I moved to NICU; I was even mentally freaking out initially while recording my vital signs on my infant patients because my brain was trained for very different numbers...and my management actually PREFERS new grads over experienced adult nurses for hiring.
OP--I used to think that I wouldn't be able to take handling sick children, let alone infants. That was until I was actually ON a unit with sick kids during school and now at my current job. I cope much more than I gave myself credit for when I started the job. Now--it's actually a little bit more peaceful to see the little ones go because they are usually so far gone that in my heart, I feel it's better for them to go. It's always the hardest when you see the actual parental grieving, though.

I started in my NICU right out of school, and I agree with all of this. I am currently precepting a transfer from Med-Surg, and it's been quite difficult trying to break those M-S habits. I'm not sure she's going to be able to make the transition, though we're trying mightily.