RN2UBaby

lilibug, All you have to be is yourself. You dont have to feel as if you need to smile continuously, but keep a pleasant look on your face. It's okay to be a little nervous-that's natural. Just lay your hands in your lap and try not to twist and wring your fingers. Take a moment to think about your answers before you reply. Simply be congenial and natural. They won't expect you to be able to answer questions about the care of a NICU baby. That's what orientations are for. Definitely let them know that you sincerely want to be a NICU nurse, and if it's been your goal 'forever', tell them so. They want nurses who will love the unit enough to stay, because the orientation is expensive. Light jewelry only. (most NICU's dont allow jewelry or acrylic nails. It's an infection control issue) Ask a few good questions: For example: 1. How is the staff kept informed of changes and updates? 2. What type of ongoing credentialing will I be doing? Do you have a yearly "skills lab" that your nurses attend? 3. I wear regular scrubs. What do you allow in the way of uniforms? 4. I will want to attend some workshops and seminars. is there a reimbursement program in place? (That sort of thing!) I know that you will get that job!!

Hi! I've been a NICU nurse for 15 years, and in reading your assessment of the NICU, (that most patients have the same diagnosis), I must tell you that the very reason I have stayed in the NICU for so long is the variety of diagnoses, plus I simply love it there! They will have some commonalities, I agree. They are premature, premature and sick, or term and sick. However, no two cases are just alike. We get everything from major anomalies, deformed hearts, pneumonia, extreme RDS...you name it, we get it! I love taking care of preemies, with their tiny little trusting personalities. I call them "little eaglets without feathers". If you are looking for a unit that is totally built on teamwork, the NICU is it. I've cross-trained in ED. It was okay, and the nurses who work there love it. I'm glad to know that they are there. But as for me, they can have that brand of "excitement". (Can you believe that a former paramedic would say that?) There is no unit quite like a NICU! When we have preemies and sick terms rolling through the door as fast as we can get them admitted, that's plenty of excitement for me! Good luck in your search for the right specialty for yourself. Lots of choices out there!