New grad advice before starting job in the NICU

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi all!

I recently graduated from nursing school and I have accepted my first nursing position as a NICU nurse.

Since I don't start for a few weeks. Does anyone have any advice of what to do until I start, or articles/books or topics I should read related to the NICU? Thanks!

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Specializes in L&D.

Congrats!

I start in the NICU in July.

I'm reading the Merenstein and Gardner textbook, the Preemies book (written for parents but lots of good well explained info) and the STABLE textbook.

I also have two books about the NICU - Fragile Beginnings and the Lazarus Case.

The documentary Little Man is great and paints a good picture of the NICU and the worst case scenario of life after the NICU.

I also bought cards on Amazon with NICU info to hang on my badge.

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I just started as a new grad in the nicu in May.

Study for boards! Once you start working, you won't have much time. I just passed boards 2 weeks ago. Now I plan to get some books to learn more about the babies I'll be caring for.

Be willing to learn. I have learned so much from just being on the job and not reading any books. Try to seek out learning opportunities. If something interesting is going on in the unit and my babies do not need anything, I ask my preceptor if I can go observe. I also talk to others on the floor and tell them if they have any good learning experiences, to find me. I've been able to l learn some great stuff because of others on the floor.

good luck and enjoy!!

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