Cambria1023

We use computer charting and have a bedside chart in which the doctors write their orders, the kardex is kept, other info. We chart our assessments, etc on the computer. Whenever a doctor writes new orders, we sign them off and then our secretaries put in the orders and are usually the ones who update the kardex. It is our job though to look over the kardex and make sure all the information is updated and correct.

We don't have a HUGE unit (on average, around 25 babies) with all private rooms. Each room has their own fridge/freezer in which parents place their labeled BM. When it comes time to feed, the RN is responsible for double-checking with another person (parent, nurse, etc) and will mix up the feeding on her own. Pretty simple.

Ha ha...yeah, NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation Program. I just started in a NICU...not a requirement to start but they want us to have this done about 6 months after starting.

Mom: Sidney Marie Baby: Yendis Arie

I am right there with you! I started on my NICU the beginning of June. I had NO experience, not even as a student. I've had good days, bad days, and everything in between. It really does get better when you are able to take a deep breath and think, "Okay, what do I need to do first?" without having a preceptor standing over you. There will always be days that you mess up or forget to do something. This is how you learn. Never hesitate to ask questions! I NEVER do anything without verifying with another nurse first if I have ANY question whatsoever. Sometimes you will feel like an idiot for the questions you ask, but you are in a continuous process of learning! I found myself a "buddy" nurse who I have no hesitation bothering with every silly question that I have. She has been a lifesaver! Seek out opportunities to learn, go watch other nurses, read up on things you feel not so comfortable with, etc. And remember: "Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. - Emerson"

Thanks everyone for your kind words!

I work in a NICU and I think it came down to the fact that I am a new nurse. The way it was explained to me was that this mother decided I had answered "I don't know" one too many times to her questions. To be fair to myself, even if I don't know the answer to a question, I try my hardest to go find the answer for the parent. I know I have a great deal of learning to do, but I feel good about the care I provided to this family. My director of nursing came by a couple of days later (I'm sure she was told how upset I was) and told me I was doing a good job. I have just been having a hard time rebounding from this experience. I started working with no prior experience, already feeling wary about my lack of knowledge, and this situation has made me feel even worse. I work in a small unit and I feel like everyone is looking at me thinking "I wonder what SHE did to have that mom not want her to take care of her babies". I just want to be a great nurse and don't want to lose that drive by a lack of self-confidence in myself.

Has anyone ever had a family/patient request that you not take care of them? How did you react to this without letting it break your spirit?

I graduated May 10th. I began looking for jobs in February. I contacted recruiters, set up shadow opportunities, etc. I began working on June 2nd, took my NCLEX on July 23rd, and came off orientation a few days afterwards!

I am a new graduate and am facing the same difficulties. I work in a level II-III NICU having no prior experience. I can't tell you how frustrating it is knowing that I have SO much to learn and that most of that learning comes from experience. I can't tell you how many times I have heard more experienced nurses tell me "I having been working X amount of years and am STILL learning new things". I was never naive to think I would learn all there is to nursing in one week, but it is extremely frustrating when I am unable to answer a simple question a family member asks and I am left standing there looking like an idiot. I just have to remind myself that at the end of each work day, I am that much more experienced than I was when the day started. I seek out opportunities to learn and I never stop asking questions. What everyone else has posted regarding what to do has helped me tremendously. Patients will respect you more knowing that even if you do not know the answer, that you are willing to go seek that information out for them. It is a never ending learning process and you have to believe in yourself.