nicu preceptorship MONDAY

[pedshopeful01]

hi everyone! i am starting my 340 hour final focus in a level 3 nicu on monday. i could NOT be more excited. i have studied hard and already met with my preceptor for coffee and we connected really well! any tips? advice? words of inspiration or wisdom? i have gained so much from this forum already! thanks everyone :)

[Party_of_five, BSN]

Hope you had a great first day!!

[jennylee321]

I think as a student it is good to get really familiar with NRP, you may not be participating in codes but you should know the steps of NRP and you can get your preceptor to give you scenarios in the downtime and you can explain what NRP steps you would do.

Ask if you can shadow with other professions, for example following around an RT for a day later in your placement (when you've got the basics down) will REALLY help you understand ventilation. And a day with an LC will make you much more prepared for helping breastfeeding moms.

As with any placement, seek frequent feedback so there are no surprises down the road.

Rather than just trying to read through a neonatal textbook, look up diagnoses and relevant information for the baby you are caring for and keep it in a binder. By the end of the semester you will have all that info compiled. For example, first time you see have a baby with PDA, do your research and next time you see it you can quickly refresh yourself by going through your previous notes.