ToughingItOut

I have worked in research in the past and I miss it very much....I'll hopefully find my way back to research soon. Unfortunately, bedside tends to pay better. :/

Greetings KeyLime, While I think that you will make an exceedingly strong candidate to enter research right off the bat, I would strongly suggest that you put in at least 6 months - 1 year of hospital nursing first. Six months will go by in no time, and it will give you exposure and confidence in your nursing practice. Plus, it will also give you a little bit of flexibility should you choose to leave research later in your career. If you can stand it...I would really try for 2-3 years of bedside before heading back to research (rough, I know). PM me if you have more questions - glad to help.

I've been listed on many publications - usually as a middle author, but it's still pretty neat! I have been the first author on one paper during my two years in research...and I didn't even seek that out! There are plenty of publication opportunities in research. PM me if you have more questions - I will try to help.

PMFB-RN, I want to work where you do...

I tend to overlook the BO factor. BO can be a sign of extreme stress, depression, and simple lack of time and facilities; it actually tends to make me feel badly for my patients. I take BO as a sign that this family may need a little more TLC. I use it as a clue as to their own personal well-being and reaction to becoming a parent of a nicu baby. The cigarette component is a more difficult issue... We use gowns and encourage smoking cessation programs citing the suspected connection between smoking households and SIDS. Of course, increased smoking can also be a sign of increased stress...it's a difficult situation in an open pod unit.

PICU would be a great alternative. PICU nurses often take care of NICU type patients, and a lot of PICUs seem to hire new grads. Other than that, peds anything or ICU anything would be the best crossover, but I had the pleasure of precepting several med surg nurses to NICU. Just start somewhere!

Yes, as a new grad I once went through an elaborate explanation of PPHN as "Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn." And of course...the father was a RN! But it kind of make sense...right!?I discovered my error out soon afterwards, but it's always good to know the correct meaning of a commonly used acronym.

When will you graduate with your BSN? Having your BSN should really help with the job hunt.

I realize that this is not the kind of specialty that will drive most nurses relocate, however, I do know of a few job openings (both from personal experience as well as recent searches). If anyone is interested, feel free to pm me! :)

Hey there, I saw that you tried to pm me but my inbox was full. I cleared it out so please try again! Sorry for the inconvenience. :)

I may have a couple ideas...but it all depends on how much you're willing to settle for location in order to get started in NICU. I relocated for my first job, and I don't have any regrets. PM me if you want some ideas.

Don't take it personally. I once asked a fellow NICU nurse how her new PRN gig was working out at a neighboring hospital. The response? "The unit is great! Of course there are ****** NICU nurses wherever you go, but that's expected." I have also heard that "the smaller the patient the tighter the nurse's sphicter."

I agree with the other posters. You sincerely do not need an expensive certification. You may take a pay cut starting out, but there are plent of opportunities. From what I've seen, you need one of three areas of expertise to switch over to research: 1) Research (duh), 2) infusion experience, 3) expertise in a specialty area with a desire to get in to research. Heck, I'm a NICU nurse!

Greetings, Consenting minors always adds another layer of complication. Will there be only one survey or several? Do you have the support of the school (hopefully yes)? If so, I would recommend "piggybacking" your consent on to another school document that requires signature. For example, a copy of your consent could be stapled to every child's report card or permission for a field trip or movie. I also seem to remember in my grade school days a bit of bribery - each child received a piece of gum/candy/+5 points on to a test of homework assignment when a paper was returned (even if the parents check "No" to giving permission to participate in the survey). What do you think?

Hi RNKimmy, This may seem like a very simple idea, but I have seen small research initiatives focused on increased use of medical alert bracelets. While simple and tried and true, the decision to order and wear a medical alert bracelet can make a huge impact. I recently cared for a 30 year old Type I research subject who had never even heard of one! Other than that, how do you feel about the recent push for greater legalization of medical marijuana among cancer/hospice patients? There's got to be something there.