NICU Observation - What an experience! What to do next?

[livelaughlove09]

Hello everyone!

I spent a day in the NICU as an observation experience during my pediatric rotation. I usually do patient care in clinical for peds on a progressive care unit with some pretty acute patients.

I have enjoyed ALL of my clinical experiences to some degree. There isn't a nursing specialty that I would totally rule out at this point, but I cannot BELIEVE how I feel about the NICU experience I had. It was absolutely amazing. Before anyone says anything about the sadness that comes along with it, let me just tell you that the nurse I was assigned to had a 1:1 case, this baby was in very bad shape. I loved every minute of it. I also got to look around at what the other nurses were working on some, and I felt the same way. I also got to spend time with family members as well. I felt the mixed emotions of sadness, empathy, hopefulness, excitement, fear, pride, and so many countless other feelings.

Now, I DO have to say that the nurses in any clinical experience have a way of "make it or break it" for me. The less desirable types of nursing (to me) are the ones where the nurses really couldn't have cared less if we were there, or left me with the impression that they didn't like their job that much to begin with. I respect every nurse that I've ever worked with, but I can't even begin to scratch the surface of all the good things I want to scream from the rooftops of the nurses I've had the HONOR to shadow and/or care for their patient with them in this Pediatric rotation. The caliber of these women (and men) has set the bar so high in my eyes that I believe I'm going to have a hard time topping this. I've never seen more caring, compassionate, competant, professional individuals in one place at one time in my life. During my NICU experience, my nurse explained in great detail everything that she did, and why she did it. She reviewed labs with me, looked at diagnostic reports with me, every machine, every beep, every drug. She told me if anything went south she'd explain it all to me as soon as she was finished doing what she needed to do. I'm thankful that didn't happen, but would have stood in the corner quietly and waited for that explanation. The Dr. included me in the conversations. The NP let me stand by and watch a procedure (front and center too). I've never had a more rewarding experience. The knowledge that was shared with me was unsurpassed by any other experience.

THAT is the kind of nurse I want to be. THESE are the kind of people I want to work with. I feel like I've found my place in this world. I am so GRATEFUL for everyone who has shared so much with me.

I'm struggling a little bit here. I'm not sure if it was the actual NICU nursING or the nursES that made me fall in love with this specialty. I'm sure it's a little of both. I'm definitely going to pursue this specialty, but I have two questions. In the absence of a preceptorship (not possible), what classes can I take that are most relevant and most beneficial to NICU nursing if I don't happen to have an opportunity to interview for this unit, and secondly, do you feel as though it's appropriate (seeing as how I may apply for a job there in the future) that I send a letter to this hospital expressing my feelings about the impression that their staff and the facility as a whole left upon me? I wouldn't want to appear like my reasoning for sending the letter was a personal agenda (although I won't be applying for a job there for a few months and that would probably go to someone else anyway). These people REALLY changed my life. Not just the NICU but the entire experience at that particular hospital. If for any reason any of my children needed hospital care, I'm there. In a minute. I believe we don't hear enough about the people who are truly great, and they are. I'd like to let them know how I feel.

[FRN2511]

I'm glad your experience was such a great one. I too, have had a similar experience lately. I am a flight nurse and part of my job includes getting clinical hours in all of the different critical care areas including the NICU. I have been a nurse for 8 years and worked in tele, ICU, ER and flight nursing. I was horrified to find out that I have to go to the NICU. I wanted no part of it. All I could picture was sick and dying babies and I cried at the thought of it. I know I see horrific traumas and medical situations, but in my mind it is a lot more accepting to see that in an adult rather than a baby. Anyway, I reluctantly went for this "educational" experience and couldn't believe how much I learned. I assessed babies, set up their tube feedings, watched lazor ablation eye surgery and saw the pre and post pictures of the difference it made. However, the best experience I had was a baby that was full term, emergency c-section with meconium aspiration. They did all of standard treatments such as surfactant therapy, nitric oxide etc.. but ultimately the baby needed ECMO. Here this baby was probably the sickest that he could be and I was not sad or fearful. I was amazed! Amazed that their was such an amazing treatment available that may save this otherwise most likely terminal baby! I found myself going home and researching about ECMO. I am not leaving my present job, but I definately had a change of heart on how I feel about the NICU.

Best of luck to you! I hope you find your dream.

[FRN2511]

P.S. Definately let them know what an amazing experience you had.

I don't know what to tell you about whether it was the nursING or nursES, but the people you work with definately make a difference in the experience that you have. If you're not sure, see if you can job shadow again on a different day where there will most likely be different staff or even at another hospital. Not sure how this would all work since you're still in school. Find out if they have any intern or extern job opportunities. This would give you the education and the experience you need to do this job. NRP class is another must have. Hope this helps some.

[Shanlee79]

I can strongly relate to your post. I was having difficulty deciding on where to be placed for my final practicum this past winter as I experienced more of those negative nurses you described during my rotations prior. I thought that was just the way it was. I set-up my own shadow day in NICU and boy was a glad I did b/c it helped me to see I was wrong. There I found the teamwork, the respect, the autonomy and the positive attitudes I was looking for. Not saying this isn't possible in other areas...just as a student being there for a brief glimpse in time it was hard to pick it out in other places. Everyone said .."oh how sad"..when I told them of my interest to pursue this area and I found it quite the opposite. Sure, there is some sad circumstances but for the most part I see a lot of hope and positive outcomes.

Long story short...I felt what your feeling and I ran with it. I did my practicum there and was offered a full-time job in the end. This may not be the case for you then I agree with taking PALS/NRP and for surely send a card/letter to the unit manager to let them know what a wonderful staff/shadow experience you had and thanking the nurse who spent her time with you. Positive feedback is what keeps those units running well and I think the manager will keep your name in the back of her head and be more considering of someone who is passionate and excited to work there in the future.

Good Luck to you. It truly is a wonderful place to work!