is nicu stressful?

[sabby09]

My dream job of course would be a level III nicu nurse and i was wondering is the nicu stressful? and whats the most stressful experiences you've had working in that department?

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Any intensive care setting is stressful. I think any nursing job is stress these days. My stressful experiences range from coding a 24 weeker in DIC to trying to soothe a baby withdrawing from heroin.

[WittleOnesRN]

It depends on the night/day. We have a huge L&D dept and the NICU is in some ways an emergency dept for L&D. Sometimes it is crazy while other times it is peaceful and you get to nurture babies.

It is the best job in the world.

[soprano3]

Having done NICU for 25 years, I feel comfortable in codes & emergency situations. What stresses me out is the new computer charting. It is not friendly in an intensive care unit.

[TakingCareOfBabies]

I went right into a level 3 NICU after graduation nursing school. In general I think the profession is very stressful. However, I love my job. I am still very new. Only a little over a year experience, and I haven't been exposed to much. SO the fear of the unknown is stressful. But knowing that I am helping a baby make it to milestones or even to an day of life, makes it all worth while!

[2curlygirls]

Yes. But I can't imagine doing anything else!

[adpiRN]

Bumping this old post because I have the same question!

Particularly curious how the stress level compares to L&D for those who've done both.

[ctabs14, MSN]

I've been working in a level 3 NICU for a little over 7 months now, right out of nursing school, and it can be very stressful! But honestly, I could not see myself doing anything else. Like someone else said above, sometimes it can be extremely hectic with multiple admissions, babies deteriorating, and just general chaos, but sometimes you really get to spend time and nurture your babies that need a little extra love. :)