why NICU?

Honestly my motto was if they can talk back, they're too old for me. Life events turned me to NICU. My son was a NICU baby and after that I knew my calling was to work in NICU.

Christine, RNC, BSN

I know my calling is to one day become a NNP. For those of you who are current or aspiring NICU nurses, why did you choose the neonate population as opposed to adults?

Ditto what nicumom75 said.

Heidi

They talk, they walk, have bigger diapers, you cant swaddle them and throw them on your shoulder, you can just feed them a bottle when they cry.. You can cuddle with them, they dont fit in your lap.. :)

They talk, they walk, have bigger diapers, you cant swaddle them and throw them on your shoulder, you can just feed them a bottle when they cry.. You can cuddle with them, they dont fit in your lap.. :)

:chuckle those are some of the same reasons I will choose NICU. I know many people say "don't choose NICU because you LOVE babies". I am trying to figure out the difference between NICU and adult that would make one choose NICU even though they don't love babies.

:chuckle those are some of the same reasons I will choose NICU. I know many people say "don't choose NICU because you LOVE babies". I am trying to figure out the difference between NICU and adult that would make one choose NICU even though they don't love babies.

I think when people say this they mean "Don't choose NICU ONLY because you LOVE babies." It takes a lot more than "loving babies" to be able to cope with taking care of critically-ill infants and their families. Nobody is saying that you can't/shouldn't love babies, but if you don't love critical care as well, the environment is likely to make you unhappy. Many nurses are much more comfortable and function more effectively in a less acute environment.

I didn't choose NICU because I love babies. I never thought about working NICU until my husband chose that specialty and showed me what it was about. It sounded appealing and as sad as it sounds, easier on the back. I have enjoyed the aspect that so many of my patients are cute. Since I actually started working with the infants though, one of my favorite aspects is that my patients are merely feet from me and I can supervise them so directly and closely.

Also jokingly I say "what's considered restraints anywhere else in the hospital is considered development and therapeutic where I work".

I think when people say this they mean "Don't choose NICU ONLY because you LOVE babies." It takes a lot more than "loving babies" to be able to cope with taking care of critically-ill infants and their families. Nobody is saying that you can't/shouldn't love babies, but if you don't love critical care as well, the environment is likely to make you unhappy. Many nurses are much more comfortable and function more effectively in a less acute environment.

I agree with you. I love babies (thankfully they don't talk back where we can understand!). But a Level III NICU was too overwhelming for me. I like babies who are sick and recover quickly but VLBW infants and critical nbs with long-term problems are just to much for me. I work in a Level II ICN, we stabilize and transport if needed or care for them until ready for dc. We all have out niche. Thank God for all of you, I trust all of you to care for the ones I can't. :)