AllyZ

I work in a large unit where we use NNP's and are also hiring more. They work in close contact with the attending's and fellows in neonatology. They are great to work with and most are former NICU nurses. They work normal hours and do a night on call rotation. I think they are great not only with the patients but also with the families!!

i work in a 50 bed unit of a huge pediatric hospital. we have some grouped rooms and some individual rooms. we practice team nursing so the same patients are cared for by the same team. all our rooms are mixed acuity, and it works pretty well. it is definately easier for grouping patients. our rooms are occasionally switched around to accommodate new admits, but it is definately easier on the parents to always see the same people. so for example we have an 8 bed room that has a trach baby, growing former micropreemie, vented baby, and an oscillator. it is definately easier finding space for kids in case a particular room is full. our ecmo kids go wherever we can fit them. it has worked really well for us, so i hope it works for you!!

We have a baby in our unit who was born with TEF, and was just trached last week. This poor baby has coded about 10 times, has had chest tubes, the whole nine yards. She is now doing wonderful. She is also 6 months old, still in our NICU!! Ally

We change ours prn by only nurses certified for the procedure. I also have a question on a similar subject. What is the protocol for changing lines for central lines. To change our lipids, tpn, med lines we gown, glove, cap and mask. Does anyone else do this?? Ally

You passed!!! I passed at 75, and honestly there was only one question on the whole test that I was like OK I know this one!! I don't know anyone that failed in 75.

I am a new grad almost finishing NICU orientation. I agree that caring for adults if you want to work in a NICU really doesn't help experience wise, except in small things like time management. I work in a 50 bed NICU and I love it. I work at a huge children's hospital in PA. My advice would be to look for a hospital that is going to give you a great orientation. Mine is 12 wks and I have received so much education and support from the rest of the staff, inculding nurses and physicians. Orientation really makes a big difference so when you interview definately ask!! Ally

We used a book called Calculate with Confidence. I am absolutely retarded when it comes to math. It goes over the basic formulas up to critical care calculations. I am graduating in 3 weeks so it worked for me!!

We had a book that was kind of self study. The way it was set up helped you teach yourself.

I am currently in the ACE program. Graduating in 4 weeks. I live in South Philly just below south st. (Queen Village Area). Just a warning don't get hung up on being near Drexel's campus, you'll never see it. Also they send you all over creation for clinical so having a car is helpful, but not necessary. Any other questions I'd be happy to help!!