Harparia

I have a NICU brain that I am willing to share as well. It is very structured, because I that's what I need to stay on task. PM me if you would like a copy.

We use the RAM canulas at our facility & I like them very much. One major difference from a standard NC is that you can do bubble CPAP or NIMV with the RAM & the switch is fairly simple. There seems to be far less nasal septum breakdown. Babies can start to dry breastfeed sooner & transferring to kangaroo care is soooo much easier. The one downside is that it doesn't work well for all babies though. Some just really need those Inca prongs which give a better bubble.

On the page where you find the HPSA scores: [TABLE=class: ResultDisplay] [TR=bgcolor: LemonChiffon] [TD=colspan: 2]In a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area: No[/TD] [/TR] [TR=bgcolor: Lavender] [TD=width: 60%, colspan: 2]In a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area: No[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=width: 60%, colspan: 2]In a Dental Care Health Professional Shortage Area: No[/TD] [/TR] [TR=bgcolor: Gainsboro] [TD=width: 60%, colspan: 2]In a Medically Underserved Area/Population: Yes[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] It needs to say "YES" under primary care or mental health. Mine both say no, so that means that my facility does not qualify.

Thanks all, for the valuable information that you've shared. I just got off the phone this morning with customer service at the BRCS. The person I spoke with said that it is not enough to be just in a critical shortage facility/medically undeserved area. There has to be a YES next to either primary care or mental health. There are so many different sources of information for this program. I guess I missed that section on page 10 (as the rep. pointed out) of the application handbook. Sigh.... That sure was a lot of stress & work for nothing. Best of luck to everyone!

I stumbled across "Team Spectacular - Micro Preemie Power," by Scott Wright. It is a great webcomic (free) that you can also buy, in book form ($10). It doesn't give you any advice on how to help parents or talk with them. However, the book does give you some fantastic insight into what our NICU super-parents have to go through, which may help you talk with them. Check it out! His illustrations say what words cannot.

You might want to consider attending one of the several NICU conferences that are held annually. They can be pricey, but I believe that nothing says, "I'm dedicated" more than spending your own money to further education in your desired field. You get exposure to the lingo of the specialty and some highlights of common issues. You will have something different to put on your resume, and something interesting talk about in an interview. Here are a few of the ones remaining this year. The national neonatal conference of the year! NANN 26th Annual Educational Conference Embracing the Power of Change: Advancing Leading Learning September 19-22, 2010 (Sunday-Wednesday) Paris Las Vegas Hotel Conference Brochure Conference Schedule Preparing for Conference 2010 AWHONN Convention September 25-29, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Venetian Las Vegas. AWHONN 2010 Annual Convention Neonatal Network 2010 Convention September 12-15 Savannah, Georgia http://neonatalnetwork.com/nn3/MBE10Savannah.pdf Developmental Interventions in Neonatal Care San Francisco, CA - November 13-16, 2010 Developmental Interventions in Neonatal Care - Contemporary Forums

I took extra copies of my whole portfolio, cover letter, resume, certifications etc. I felt prepared, like I was thinking ahead and leaving them something to remember me by - which I think is a good thing. I didn't even think about if it looked like I was trying too hard. I was putting all my effort, enthusiasm, and attention to detail out for all to see. My attitude was, "This is me, if you like it buy it - if not, I guess I would not have fit in the dynamic anyway'. I'm very thankful that they liked what I had to offer.

At my peer interview, the interviewers went around the table and introduced themselves and went around again and asked two or three questions each. They took notes on my responses. I can't really remember the questions, but many of them began like, "Tell me about a time when..." or " Describe how you would .." At the classic signaling of the end of the interview (Do you have any questions for us?), I had prepared quite a few, which prompted more questions from my peers. My 20 minute interview turned into a 40 minute interview. The one thing I wish I had done was to take a piece of paper and a pen, to take down all the names (for 'Thank You' cards). Lastly, I think it is important to observe. One thing that I did notice was the dynamic among the assembled peers. There were RN's from both day and night shifts, staff nurses and CNS. My observations gave me a brief insight what working on the unit would be like. Best of luck on your peer interview!

Some great advice that I acquired from various sources about interviews and some of my own thoughts... Take a moment to think about your answer. Silence is okay. When you are finished answering a question, stop. Nervous rambling/fidgeting is not okay. Do some research about the facility and ask thoughtful questions. Point out how the skills you possess apply to the position. Look up common interview questions on the internet and have a friend interview you for practice. Try to work in key points. (NRP certified? Member of NANN or ANN? Special conferences?) Know some common abbreviations (NEC, ROP, etc) Let your passion and dedication shine through! Best of Luck

Did you try the pearsonvue trick yet? It has been 100% accurate with my classmates. (Do a search for the directions on AN if you haven't). I start my orientation in a few weeks, so I'll be watching this thread with great interest. Most of the time, I am really excited about starting my first nursing job, and then I get a thousand butterflies in my stomach that represent all the "what if's". It will be nice to have people around that can empathize.

I would like to suggest to you all to use the companion site that came with the text books. The practice questions there can be very helpful to study and sometimes you might see a few familiar questions on your quizzes. The reading load involved in Health Assessment is ridiculous, and it is difficult information to retain, because it all starts blurring together. Happy Studying!!

I studied about a month before I went and took the class. I really liked this website to study. EKG, ACLS, BLS, Hemodynamics Education Analysis | richACLS It does cost, but you can look at the free trial and see if it would be helpful to you. There are flashcards and interactive applets that help you remember the algorithms. I also really liked Six Second ECG Simulator . It's a moving EKG flashcard. It really helped on recognizing the different rhythms. The written test was a little difficult, so you do need to study the study guide (provided when you register for the class), but the megacode scenario wasn't bad. We got to be in rotating roles and if you needed extra help, the instructor would work with you. All-in-all, it wasn't too difficult. The problem is that it's easy to forget, since I'm not using it. Best of Luck! I recommend either using the search function or reading through this thread. You will have 99% of your questions about NU answered. Happy Reading

I did my course through them and there were no problems, so I did my ACLS with them as well. The instructor was very nice and helpful. They will work with you until you get it. Good Luck with everything.

I always remembered it by thinking: Multiple Sclerosis affects the Myelin Sheath, thereby slowing nerve conduction. Myasthenia Gravis affects Muscle Gravity thereby making you weak. (it a stretch, but it works for me).

I sure don't - and I am the type of person who actively seeks learning opportunities.