NatalieGRN

I just started peds recently and I LOVE working with kids. However, I realized I love working with babies much more than teenagers. I'm still very far from being a great peds nurse, still have a great deal of learning to do. But I'm thinking when I do become a better nurse with more experience, tom posiibly switch to NICU or well baby nursery. The problem with NICU is they're so great and knowledgable, and I'm far from it. I'm not brave at all, don't have the "nurse instinct" and don't know what to do in an emergency, as well as many procedures- NO CLUE! How do I become a better nurse? My hosp. has both a NICU and well baby integrated w/ postpartum, which is OK. Don't know what to do, but I do know I need to be better at peds before I move on (especially, if I find enough courage to go to NICU). Any suggestions? Alie N.

What do you do in a well baby nursery? Do you floast between postpartum and nursery?

I will be switching to 12 hr nights 3x/week (don't think I would be a ble to do 3 in a row. Possibly 2 on, 2 off, 1 on). I have 2 year old and a 7 year old. The reason I decided to go to nights was to be able to pick them up from school, do homework, attend activities. But I'm afraid I will be sleeping through it all. How do you do it? What is your work schedule and sleep schedule like? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Natalie

I just started`ped med-surg in CHOC. I have been staying at home for 3 years raising kids, but before I did LTC geriatric nursing. My first week of orientation went OK, but it seems they expect me to know more than I feel I know. I think I will be on my own in 1 more week. I'm terrified of making a mistake about how to do IV, calculate the correct rate, procedures. I'm also afraid to walk into the rrom, have a code and freeze up- I have never done a code in my life! What if I don't do it right? What if I won't be able to handle it? So many questions, so many doubts. How do I become more sure in myself? How long does it take to reaaly get your feet wet? Thanks in advance.

I picked peds!!! Count me in!

I am really considering going to peds (worked w/ adults for 6 years). The big question my husband brought up- I will likely bring a lot of bugs home. What do you do to protect your own kids? Do they get sick a lot since you started peds? Natalie

Hi everyone. I have been doing adult/ geriatric nsg for 6 years. I feel like I need a big change in my life. Can't deside, though, L&D or peds? I was hosp. w/ my daughter in children's and got totally inspired to go to peds. But, L&D also sounds very interesting. Do you love doing peds? Did you have a hard time in the beginning working w/ sick kids? (CP, feeding tubes, mult. retardations, deformities, etc.) I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it, being a mom of 2 myself. Please, share your experience. (L&D has its drawbacks as well- stillborns, preemies, etc) Thanks. Here's more details: Peds position -great children's hospital, medical floor, great sign on bonus, close to home. L&D- have to start home health Kaiser, then try to transfer to L&D training (long story why, but that's the way it is). No guarantee when would be able to transfer. Have been out of hspital for 3 years, so HH will not count as experience if this does not work out. GREAT benefits.