Precepting in NICU

[luvmyboys]

Hi,

There have been some stories about new nurses in the NICU lately and how challenging/overwhelming it can be (especially without good orientation programs). This got me thinking...

I have senior practicum next semster. We get to choose three specialty areas; one of which we will spend 180 hours working one on one with a preceptor. Many students end up with job offers in the units they precept in. They say we will most likely get our #1 or #2 choice. Ultimately I would like to work in the NICU so this will be my first choice .

Two questions:

1) Did any of you NICU nurses out there precept in the NICU as students and if so, did it help you when you started as an RN? (Sounds rhetorical but you never know.)

2) What should my second and third unit choices be if my goal is to get a job in the NICU? My options are things like well-baby or maternal child, high risk L&D, general L&D and of course med-surg, ICU, ER, Peds etc.

Or should I try for well baby first and try to get a really good foundation in normal newborn assessments so when I get a sick baby I can pick up on the difference...?

My appt with my class advisor is next Tuesday so I have to get this figured out. Thanks so much for any and all advice!

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

Here's my advice....

1) Did any of you NICU nurses out there precept in the NICU as students and if so, did it help you when you started as an RN? (Sounds rhetorical but you never know.)

I did part of my senior practicum in NICU (also MICU...yuck) and loved it. I actively pursued employment before I finished there... and got a job. Focus on being teachable, demonstrate good critical thinking skills, and be a team player, even as a student.

2) What should my second and third unit choices be if my goal is to get a job in the NICU? My options are things like well-baby or maternal child, high risk L&D, general L&D and of course med-surg, ICU, ER, Peds etc.

I personally (looking back) would suggest trying to get into PICU. That will give you a lot of the critical care experience that'll cross over into NICU when the time comes. Granted there are a lot of differences between those areas, but at least you'll get to care for sick babies/kids and "be" a critical care RN. It is a steep learning curve right out of school, and even with WBN, Peds, or PP/OB experience. They're just not similar in many respects. 3rd choice for me would be WBN.....

Best of luck!

Stephen

[randybayrn]

I am a new grad in an RN residency in the NICU. Out of 8 of us, 2 had precepted on the unit extensively through their schools. They are way ahead of us, so yes, I think it helped.

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

I am a new grad in the NICU.

I did my senior practicum in the NICU that I now work at. I think part of my success was that I had a preceptor who was well respected in the unit who spoke highly of me. As a student I was a sponge, I soaked up everything, I asked questions if I wasn't sure of something, and I got along with the staff.

I think that if you really want to work in the NICU you should let your advisor know that this is what you feel your calling is. I think that you should try to put in for a unit in the hospital that has the NICU. There are a couple of girls I went to school with who did practicums at the Children's Hospital on med surg in order to have their foot in the door when their dream jobs came open.

Best of luck to you, you are almost there!