maleNICUnurse

That 24 hour, 2 days a week deal seems pretty damn sweet to me......I can't imagine.....

Hey Steve and 2 all.........with breastfeeding......teaching is it is the same as any other subject......when it comes to actually assistance, one, be professional and respect privacy.....even offer if mom would like a female nurse to assist....two, talk the mom thru the techniques as taught to you like positioning, nipple placement, holding, and things mom should be doing when not with baby........three, just be patient and easy about the akward situation......yeah, it's kinda weird, but it's part of our job......IV sticks.....not difficult.....just practice, practice, and practice and be willing to attempt whenever the opportunity is available......depending upon the drug, most calculations are equated to be given in a certain amount of cc's over time.......that's how my unit is.....not to many drugs go down to minute calculations that we give......dopamine and dubatamine may be a couple that have to be equated down to a minute then eventually to a hourly drip.......address the issue of "hurting your career options"...what do you mean? as a new grad, I came str8 here.......for me, my ultimate goal is CRNA and one year of ICU experience is required for admission....I chose to gain my ICU experience in the NICU opposed to adults.......the schools I was interested in accepted NICU (level III), so I went str8 for it......the "go to med-surg first, as a new grad" myth is such BS........trust me, in the NICU, you will be forced to adapt fast and be organized......as far as forgetting information on adults taught in school.....yes, you will forget some things....the reason, to some extend, the adult nursing teaching will not apply to the NICU....for me, I had to kinda "unlearn" some things I learned in school regarding adults......it's interesting......adult nursing becomes kinda foreign to you.........if you have an interest of any kind in the NICU, go for it!.......I'm the only male on my unit......it's crazy!......anyway..........hope this info helps.....Peace!

Hello....I've been working a Level III NICU for a year now....what questions or concerns do you have?

Hey People......My stats, 24 years of age, Registered Nurse with a BSN working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.....RN since May 04'...currently anticipating a Nurse Anesthesia Program interview..........solely entered nursing to become a CRNA.

Gompers, I appreciate that. Your method seems to be pretty good. Someone just told me about it, but you told me in detail. I feel if I can get in the habit of doing that early, it will prove beneficial. Is this used by many? But, once again, thank you, and I'll let you know how it goes.

Hello to All..... I am new grad excited and anxious to enter the realm of neonatal nursing. I am seeking advice, tips, and/or suggestions from NICU nurses on methods they use for getting and staying organized thru their shifts. I've heard of people making a list with each hour and writing do what needs to be done for each specific hour and a couple of other methods. I would just like to see what will work best for me. How do you breakdown and manage your time throughout the day with the required tasks? I understand that many times your plan may alter. I feel this is an extremely important aspect that a new grad needs to master before becoming a successful professional. Any input will be helpful. Thank You.

I would not say that NCLEX deals with mostly therapeutic communication. It all depends on which randomized test the computer determines that you will take. As for the CD, I got like 50s and 60s and passed the NCLEX on the first time with 140 questions. Many classmates didn't do too much better than I on these CD tests. The key is, despite which questions you may have got right or wrong, make sure you fully understand the rationales for any question before you proceed to the next question. Just my 2 cents tip!

I agree with everyone else, just wanted to add, when asked, " Why the NICU?", DO NOT say, "Because I love babies". That is the worst answer to give. Say something that you truly feel. Take time to think about WHY (NICU) now, before the interview. 9 times out of 10, you will be asked this question. In a nutshell, be yourself, think before you answer, and maintain eye contact. I pray this helps. Good Luck!

Hey, First and foremost, DO NOT rush to take your boards.....that is the last thing that you want to do.....God forbid you fail (by rushing), discouragement will take it's toll on you......and the fear of you failing again will linger.......so, just take a FULL month of preparation and "do ya' thang!". I am a PRO-Kaplan RN. I would recommend Kaplan. Wth the classroom course, the instructors (RNs) are very knowledgable and helpful....if you have questions about anything there are there for you...... If you have access to the training library with the online course, that's great. Be advised that the classroom sessions alone with Kaplan will NOT fully prepare you to pass your boards......that is why they have the training center. For the whole month of February and and couple of weeks in March, I went to the training library at least 4 out of 7 days....for 3 hours each session. Watch those long boring tapes, take the tests for each section, go over ALL the questions and rationales even if you got the questions correct, do not proceed to the next question until you fully understand the rationale.......each study session, your confidence will increase, people will ask you, "Are you ready?" You will boldly and truthfully say, "Yes!".....If you do this, you will get to the point where you are just ready to take the damn test....I'm looking forward to you informing the board that you are officially in the professional ranks....Good Luck!

MOMx2....first off....stay positive.......don't get down.....I know it's easier said than done, but just try.....I would recommend KAPLAN.....the long, boring content videos do suck but......they teach you ALOT. Do not rely on just the classroom time to pass. You have to dedicate yourself to the Kaplan Training Center.....5 days a week, at least for 3 hours for at least 3 weeks.....you will feel extremely confident......it is worth it....I passed mine the first time this past week......140 questions.....study, pray, study....and ALWAYS pray some more.....stay up!........Prayer works, trust me!

Congratulations btw02......best of luck to you......if you don't mind me asking, how long were you in the ICU? When did you begin sending out applications? I ask because I am interested in starting a NAP around the same time as you are now.......once again.......Congrats!