NRP- getting in too deep too fast?

[applesRN]

I have scheduled myself to take the course in a month and a half. I am a pretty quick learner, and test well, but I have almost NO experience in neonatal. I am a med-surg nurse trying to get into labor and delivery or mother-baby, with my goal of entering NICU at some point ( if there is ever an opening). I am pouring over several maternal child books at this point, on my own, in prep for hopefully getting an interview soon, and a job after that. I am also looking at ACLS courses. Am I getting myself in too deep too quick? Working on getting into this field is about all that is keeping me from quitting my Med-surg float job and going outside the hospital. I just want to make sure I have the best credentials I can show, for having no experience in the field. The NP that teaches it is letting me borrow her book, but said that sometimes some nurses who have been in NICU for a long time don't pass it. Does it hurt to take it and fail? the next course isn't offered until Dec.

thanks!

Fawn

[CEG]

I'm surprised to hear the NP said people don't pass. NRP is extremely basic, think CPR for neonates. I wouldn't worry about it at all. In fact I took it for the first time as a nursing student and had no issues at all. Good luck!

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

NRP is a pretty basic class- I'm sure it would be easier for a nurse with experience with neonates... however, you will learn basic delivery room resuscitation- dry and stimulate, compressions/ventilations, meds ect. If you can memorize you will be fine. Also, there is always a section on anatomy for intubation- memorize that- its in the book. There are usually a few questions on Piere Robin in regards to intubation or DH- be familliar with those.

Just practice your basic skills in order and memorize when to PPV and when to compress and the ratios and you will be fine.

It is usually a pretty laid back class.

Good Luck

[RNgonewild]

You should have no problem passing the test. Just go over the test problems in the back of each chapter. I don't think you are getting in too deep!

[applesRN]

Thank you all, the NP just made it sound like it was going to be overwhelming- and I didn't tell her the other things I am studying. I am picking up the book tomorrow, so from what I gather from the posts, I should have plenty of time.

[qaqueen]

I took NRP as a CNA in NICU/nursing student. You will be fine. If you are interested in supplementing your neonatal skills, you may also want to consider the S.T.A.B.L.E. classes. This is aimed at neonates, but actually is just good general info. No worries, about the class, sounds like someone may be trying to intimidate you;)

[lakec4me]

I agree with the other posters. If you review the book, you will be fine! There is also a great CD in the back of the book which is very helpful with the visuals.

I have been an NRP Instructor for several years and I have only had one person fail (there were other performance issues with this particular person). NRP is a requirement for all OB nursing staff. If you don't pass, you don't work. But like I said, it hasn't been an issue. Staff are aware of this and come to class prepared.

Good luck, you are showing great initiative!

[applesRN]

Picked up the book today, and met the NP, who was very nice. She said "so you've decided to try it..." She again reiterated the importance of going through the book and that it is hard even for some NICU nurses. I flipped through the book, I was expecting a much bigger, more in depth book as she described it... my question is this: if I pass it ( which I now see no reason to not) and NICU nurses have to study alot to pass it, then why was the job I put my resume in for handed to a nursing student? Just found that out today. A L+D nursing student, not even a grad yet. Won't start until May. I am frustrated by this.

[MomBabyUnitRN]

I just finished my 2 day NRP course. The first day goes over everything you need to do. Our second day was a checkoff for passing/failing.

The second day took us about 2 hours for everything. Setup and checkoff. There were five of us to a station. I didn't think it was difficult at all.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I didn't think it was too difficult myself....in general, the instructors want you to pass. I mean, there are some things that if I weren't a nurse, probably wouldn't make as much sense, but I wouldn't say it's impossible.