babyRN0404

A little background... my current NICU (Level IIIB) is undergoing a large amount of turn-over and we are hiring like crazy. We have 60+ RNs and this year alone we have hired over 10 new nurses. Most who are new grads. We are running short on preceptors and some of the choices are questionable at best. My question: How much experience is required of preceptors in your unit? Thanks for your response!

Hello All, Just looking for some advice regarding which program to choose. Looking for people who are either currently in the program or went through it! Just curious to see how you all liked it! Nothing getting advice from people who have been through it themselves! Thank you!

We transport from a lot of hospitals with no NICU... therefore we get a lot of random things, from extreme prematurity to hypoglycemia.... never know what you are going to get. Some are kids barely holding on- rarely it is a quick transport like that.

I have worked in 2 NICUs- the first had a core group of Transport nurses that were on each shift- they were trained for transport- the staff would absorb their assignment (Charge would help). The second hospital everyone has to sign up once a month- it doesn't seem like many people do, it has turned into a core group of people. BUT everyone is expected to go on transport if needed, I have been a transport once, on orientation, and it was basically put leads on the kiddo and out the door (no lines, nothing special). As far as who goes- MD, RT and RN. Thanks for all of the response, funny of different transport can be from institution to institution.

Just wondering what everyones protocol is for training to be transport. Is everyone required to do it? Is there a special team in your NICU? Thanks!

Personally, I have had interest in becoming certified since I first became a nurse... that being said, the first hospital I worked at strongly encouraged it. Now that I've been in NICU for a year (before that L&D, M/B w/ level II NICU), I think I am going to start studying.... I really want to take it at the 2 year mark - may look good on an application for NNP school....

My advice: Make sure you ask them a lot of questions about the unit. Such as is there any current research? Are there students? When are you expected to go on transport? How long is orientation? Is there shared governance/do the nurses participate in committees that affect their practice? etc. Keep in mind you are interviewing them too! Good luck :)

I always dread the first time parents watch the temp getting taken, and the look of "how could you" from them.... goes away pretty quickly once I teach them how to do it themselves :) Although I have to say.... I wouldn't be a big fan of something that big (in comparison to their size) being shoved under my arm, I'm way to ticklish!

Don't be afraid to apply to jobs that say they require experience- "prefers m/b experience," etc. Worst thing they can do is send a rejection (and don't get too down when you get rejections...) Also, if you have any clinical experience relating to a m/b, NICU, L&D make sure you put that down on your resume!! Also, if you are still in school- try to set up a shadow day with a unit you are interested in- sometimes things aren't always what you expect.... m/b, peds, PICU and L&D would all be a good lead in to a NICU job.

I used to work on a high risk L&D unit.... they LOVED hiring nurses with ICU experience. :)

I would call the MD- That is why they get paid the big bucks... Also might help them to remember to check over their orders next time

hmm, the "calling".... I am a female RN and I work in an NICU... I fell into nursing by mere accident... I did not know what I wanted to do with my life at all, my Mom and Dad told me Nursing was a good field- always needed, becoming more in demand and not bad money... so I tried it out... I loved it, and working in a NICU is really a dream come true- but that is a different story all together. So, I guess it started out as a security issue, and now I really cannot ever see myself doing anything else... Most of the nurses I work with (they are all pretty close to retirement)- have said that it was one of the only professions that was interesting at the time- that was widely available to women (other than teaching...) Hope I answered your question...

Hello All, wondering if you could help me find a good book with tips for helping families/talking to parents in the NICU, etc. I feel I am very good at talking with parents but I also feel like I could improve- maybe get a few tips. Thanks :)

Report can be really tough to give in the NICU- what I've found is some nurses expect certain things and can be very particular- others are easy going. It WILL get easier. You are only 1/2 way through orientation, so try not to be so hard on yourself! Good luck, and I'm sure you are wonderful!

Whoops, do not give me your tears... haha! simple typo! thanks again!