NICUnrs

Congrats everyone! I did their 4 year traditional nursing track and graduated in 07 It's a great program :)

If it's a small amount of feed we hang it (usually with rubber bands from the "arm" in the isolette) if it's a larger feeding we put it on a syringe pump BUT I know of another NICU in my area that requires the nurses to stand there and hold it while the entire feeding goes in...I don't know how they have time for that

We recently switched to the Alaris pumps...love them!!!

Hi! I went to Binghamton (also as a traditional student, not BAT). It is a great program! PM me if you have any specific questions :)

Thank you everyone for all your support, you don't know how much it means to me. I read these replies over and over again before going to work and it helps me rationalize my feelings and tell myself that I am still new and have a lot to learn and I will just do the best I can and thankfully I have a very supportive staff. Thank you again! And hopefully soon I will be able to give support and advice to new nurses and tell them my story and how I gained confidence over time.

On my unit many of the nurses sleep on their break. Our break is about an hour and the nurses push chairs together in the breakroom to make little beds. What's the difference if you are sleeping in the lounge or leave the hospital to get coffee or a snack? At least if you are in the breakroom the unit can call you if something is going on w/ your pts and they need you back in the unit.

Hi everyone, I am a new nurse that just graduated in May with my BSN. I have been working on the unit (Level III NICU) for almost 4 months, but have only been off orientation and on my own for a few weeks. I know that I am still very new and young and new to the work world, but I get soooo nervous before going to work Starting the day before I have to go work I get nauseous just thinking about going. When I get there it takes me a while before I get settled in and tell myself I know what I am doing. I have a very supportive staff and they are always willing to help or answer my millions of questions. Most of the time I leave my shift feeling good about how the night went, but little things (like an IV coming out or not having all the answers a parent wants) throw me off and if I have a bad night I really dread going back, sometimes I feel like I don't know anything.... I am very happy with my career choice and I have always wanted to work in a NICU, but I want to start feeling more confident and comfortable. I know most people says it takes about a year, but I feel like I am behind...when will I stop feeling so nervous/anxious/worried before every shift? Is this normal? Does anyone have any advice? Thank you soo much for letting me vent a little and for any support you can offer!