NICU to PICU

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 15, 2017

Avoid the temptation to say "Well in the NICU, we....." because they are two different worlds. Learn what PICU expects and the standards , and save the comparison for later. For example, in the NICU to which I frequently floated, changing out TPN fluids required two RNs, gown, sterile gloves, mask and the whole nine yards. PICU- scan and change them.

One practice is not BETTER than the other, it is just DIFFERENT for different patient populations.

Word to the wise and all....

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Sep 16, 2017

Let me second that, meanmaryjean. Each group is obsessive about a lot of things, but those things don't really overlap much. You might be horrified by the rate at which feeds are advanced, even in the very young infant, just as an example. But to us it's how we do it and we really don't see too many problems (as in NEC) caused by it. I floated a couple of times to the NICU across the hall from my unit and was quite taken aback when I was told the NP would have to draw the blood work on one of my patients. PICU nurses do their own blood work here. We place our own post-pyloric feeding tubes, we collect our own CSF specimens for kids with EVDs... lots of things it seems the nurses in our NICU have to leave for the NP. If you're up front with your preceptor about what you're comfortable with and can do in your sleep and the things that are new and therefore scary, you should be fine.

Emm_RN, ASN, BSN, MSN · Sep 16, 2017

Thanks for the advice guys! It all helps! I think part of the reason I'm going there is because of the huge differences, so I think the transition will be exciting! I'm totally open to whole new ways of doing things.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 16, 2017

Thanks for the advice guys! It all helps! I think part of the reason I'm going there is because of the huge differences, so I think the transition will be exciting! I'm totally open to whole new ways of doing things.

PICU also has Disney movies and snacks!