TJG618

Many of our parents feel the same way, left out of the loop so to speak. One mom expressed that she felt we were keeping her at a distance so we could do things "our way". We have since began to have the NNPs or residents calling parents with daily updates, especially with med changes or new procedures or testing. This has helped. Nursing instituted a bedside journal for our chronic babies and parent feedback has been very positive. Another thing we are doing is a scrapbooking night every Tues for interested parents, this is led by a volunteer who had a baby in our unit a couple years ago. It's great to see the parents leave with huge smiles on their faces!

This has happened more than I care to have experienced. I have been first on scene for 2 mva's, 1st one died at scene, 2nd one had stroke while driving, did cpr til ems arrived. Another time, I was walking my dog when a guy started seizing at a stop light, doors locked to vehicle. Car rolled into light post and I climbed in sunroof (stupid move on my part!) got car in park and pulled guy out. Waited until ems arrived. Last week I saw an older man get attacked by a huge rottweiler, stayed in car this time, called 911 and used my horn and van to distract dog (not very effective). Neighbor with bat came out...much more effective. Once dog down, sat with old guy til ems came. My husband hates travelling with me.

I, too, have watched ER from day one and must admit that I love it. I do realize it's fiction and I love picking out all the "mistakes" but in the end it's entertainment. I think I like it because it's a fantasy based on a premise I can relate to. Not to mention, I've taken care of some of the crazier patients portrayed. I am looking forward to Carter's return and will be sad when it ends. It's the only show that has lasted my entire nursing career!

Hi all, I really need some advice here. I am starting a new position in the ER next week and just found out they don't allow Crocs as foot wear. I don't own anything else... I'm considering a pair of Danskos but I've never worn them and I don't want to throw away $120. Running shoes or Clogs? I think my current obsession with this issue is a front for my underlying anxiety about my start date but that's just how I roll..... :)

Just to give you a little perspective (and a good laugh!) - when I started as a new grad in Amarillo TX in 1998 I worked for $12.50/hr. It seems pretty awesome to be starting out at over $20/hr! My base is now $30/hr after 10 years. Good luck to you!!

rjflyn, thank you so much for the questions! I will definitely include them in my list of things to ask..

Hi all! I have been working NICU for the last 5 years and am considering a change. I have an interview with a Level 2 ED on Tues and I'm starting to second guess myself. I have been reading as many posts here as possible to get a feel for the job and I have been lucky to float down to ED numerous times in our peds hospital (loved it!). Basically, now I'm wondering if I'm crazy to consider changing. Any former NICU nurses out there now doing ED? I'd love to hear from you!:)

Just a quick note, there are some hospitals considering banning the Croc. Our hospital is considering it based on the holes, the risk for falls and they tend increase static electricity. Have any of you heard of this being true for your facility too? I will be crushed... having searched for 10 years for the perfect shoe I found the Croc and now they may be banned.

Hi there! I'm pretty new to this forum but not to NICU and I couldn't help but post my own 2 cents... I was just asking our SW staff last week why moms who abuse drugs aren't charged with child abuse? I understand that we are stretched to the maximum as far as courts, social services, foster care etc... but there has to be some sort of accountability for their actions. I am not really hard core against rehab'd moms regaining custody of their kids (no one starts out life wanting to be an addict!) but I get so frustrated sometimes. Currently we have 11 out of 27 babies on methadone. One of our recent transfers is a baby born with a blood alcohol of 0.15. (Bilat GrIII IVH, NEC, PPHN) His mom is G18 P15!!! and she is constantly drunk either when she calls for updates or attempts to visit. When she does get to visit she is hypercritical of his care, freaking out on everyone if there's the tiniest bit of spit up on his face or if his diaper is wet when she arrives. Incredibly, we are considering sending him home with her once she completes her 8 week ETOH rehab. Some one joked that we should all pitch in and get her a gift certificate for a tubal! (not that we don't appreciate the job security...) All joking aside though we have a serious issue with chemically-dependent newborns that isn't going to go away soon. Any suggestions for not getting too bummed or bitter? Sorry for the long post. I guess I needed to vent a little too.:omy: