viccar82

Currently we are running around our average with plenty of kids "cooking" in L&D, but we have been short a little more recently than had been in past. According to nurses who have been at my unit a long time, this happens periodically. Our dayshift is chronically short and you can easily pick-up a dayshift OT if you want. I think it must depend on the geographic area as to shortage/overage.

As a graduate of an accelerated second degree BSN program, I would say it's tough, but worth it. You already have the Bachelor's part, so really you just need the nursing part. Many hospitals do have perks to the Bachelor's degree. There is a salary difference, maybe a bonus, and of course there is the advancement issue. Unless you plan on being a bedside nurse until retirement, it is much easier (and quicker) to move up the ladder with a Bachelor's degree. You'll be able to get a Master's quicker, and may even be elligible for other advanced positions without a Master's. Not to say an ADN or diploma program is not as good, just that it'll take longer to move up and you may not get the $ you would with a BSN. As far as NCLEX pass rates, my school had one of their perks being "100% NCLEX pass!" However, beware - our school had an extremely difficult program designed to get only the most dedicated and 'book smart' nurses through the program quickly. The tests and classes themselves weeded out approx. 30% of the class by the end of the year-long program. So of course the 70% left did well, but that was a big part of the 100% pass rate. Like the others say, weigh your own options and decide what is best for your life. Good luck whatever you decide, the NICU is a great place to be.

GOOD LUCK! Fingers are crossed for you.

AWESOME!

Wow. I have to say that I might be a little scared too. It does not sound like your unit is supportive or appropriate in their assignments and help. I sometimes have felt that way on my own unit. (I love L&D but never used to get it and another friend who ended up quitting but hated L&D was L&D nurse practically every shift for 2 weeks). Just try your best to remember that EVERYONE was a new nurse at some point and don't let the 'mean' very experienced nurses (who sometimes expect a lot out of the new nurses) get to you. I've found that eventually though if you do your job, you'll win them over (or at least seem to gain a their respect at work). Keep your chin up - YOU CAN DO IT! Just make sure you talk to co-workers you can trust when you're feeling stressed (or post here to us). Don't let it get to you and make you quit, we need good NICU nurses out there. :)

We also have cuddlers in our NICU. They need to go through some background checks and special training. Also, we have other volunteers that help us answer phones and file paperwork or stock items. They do not need extra training besides some help and direct on the job training. You should contact the NICU or hospital volunteer office directly in your area hospital to find out what kinds of volunteering you can do. Good luck. :)

I agree. Babies should always be held whenever possible. Thankfully I also work in a level III NICU where our nurses, MD/NNP, and support staff are very supportive of developmentally appropriate care and advocating for the patients and families. Loss of an IV is unfortunate, but holding the baby is best for the baby and family. Keep up the good work:yeah:

For me, it was the one day I spent in the NICU during my peds rotation in school. I also knew early on that I would not really like to work in adult care, but I also thought I liked the critical care aspects. My one day in the NICU, there was a premie with several defects there that made such an impression on me. I just saw this innocent little life that was going to be challenging and realized that I wanted to help those little guys get through their tough time. I'm so glad I decided NICU and wouldn't change it for anything.

I have to say I haven't been in the NICU long enough to experience a whole lot of feeder/growers getting really sick and coding . . . however what I find a little surprising, we do not admit 35 weekers unless there is another issue. As a standard 35 weeks + does not buy them an automatic ticket into our unit. It is likely because we are filled with 24/25 weekers, d-hernias, NEC, surgical, etc babies that we often do not have room for a 35 weekers who appears to be doing well just after delivery. However, hearing others stories I just wonder about those little 35 weekers who are sent to newborn nursery because we just don't have the room for them.

Hey AprilHere, I have been a nurse now for just over 6 months and I am absolutely loving it as well. I had a wonderful preceptor as well and the unit is very welcoming and helpful for the most part. I work in the NICU and even though there are hard times, for the most part it is wonderful and there are more good times than bad. Also, the hospital where I was hired is great to their nurses. The other new nurses hired with me seem to agree also. It is always good to know there are other happy nurses out there who are not being "eaten alive" by more experienced (or jaded) nurses. :-)

I'm walking too, trying to get more nurses from my unit to join me, but so far only 1 taker! Wish me luck in motivating my fellow RNs.

We rarely ever wear gowns. Only for contact precautions. Gloves are similar to the others: with breasmilk, diaper changes, baths, suctioning, wound dressings. There are plenty of times when we move or comfort babies when we do not wear gloves. I think you need to use standard precuations, but allow for times without the gloves. :-)

I'm a new grad (Sept. '06 - RN as of 11 '06) and I beginning training in the NICU on the 31st! It was what I wanted and I looked for it and got what I wanted. I think it helps that the nurse manager had hired another new grad the previous year from my program and knew what to expect. It also helps if you live in or near a big city (or are willing to move to one) which has teaching hospitals or children's hospitals. I just happened to be moving to southern California where there are 2 level 3 NICU's close by that hire new grads. Definitely apply anyway and go in with confidence about your skills and abilities to be a great new grad NICU nurse. Also, try to get your critical care clinical instructor and mother/baby clinical instructor to write recommendations. Good luck! :)

Mine shut off after 75 questions and my results were posted on the state nursing board website in about a day . . . I'm now an RN. Don't sweat it so much.

I don't know about CHLA, but I've been hired for UCIMC's NICU new grad program in late Jan. Right now, I'm working in their perinatal area helping out with some various projects. I love it thus far. The staff is awesome and the pay & benefits are great. So far UCI seems like a great place to work.