nikiw

No parents in our unit have to wear cover gowns.

We only filter TPN in our unit. Lipids are not filtered at all.

We cobed once babies are in open crib if we have parent's permission. I have never seen a parent refuse it though. If there are any signs of illness, the babies are immediately seperated. I've cobedded twins, triplets, and even quadruplets

I was wondering if other NICU's are using the Pediarix vaccine and if so, how have your babies reacted after receiving? Also, what is your vaccine policy. Do all babies get them when they hit 2 months, do you wait if they are still intubated, in an isolette etc. Just trying to get an idea about what other facilities do.

Wondering what symptoms/illnesses make you call in sick? I know they always say to call in if you're sick because of the compromised immune systems of the babies. I have been battling pneumonia and have been on antibiotics for 10 days and don't have a fever but still have cough/congestion/fatigue. I'm not sure if this constitutes calling off or not.

Hi, just looking for advice on how to deal when you work your butt off for 12 hours trying to save a baby who ends up passing away anyways. I've been a RN in a level 3 NICU for 16 months and had this happen to me this past weekend. He was on cannula one day and intubated with a replogle, getting transfusions, septic, etc the next day. I feel so down right now and am questioning my decison to stay in the NICU. I've seen other babies die but he was my first 1:1 and I tried so hard yet it wasn't enough. I'd appreciate any advice you can give.

We did this in our unit for the first time last week. It was interesting to watch.

I had 12 weeks of orientation with a preceptoras a new grad. After orientation was over, we had 3 weeks where we were assigned a buddy who could help us if needed. For nurses who have experience outside of NICU, they have a 6 week orientation in the unit and then 3 weeks with a buddy.

We have NNPs on our floor 24 hours a day. During day shift, there are usually 2 NNPs that work 7a-7p. At night, we have one that works 7p-7a. We have eight NNPs and I would say they all work at least one weekend a month. They schedule themselves.

Anyone entering our NICU has to scrub for 3 minutes before coming in. If parents/visitors refuse to scrub, they are asked to leave. They are also encouraged to wash hands before and after holding/caring for their infants.

I went straight from my BSN program to a level III NICU. I think the most important thing is a great orientation. We had 12 weeks orientation with preceptors plus classes we had to take. If, after 12 weeks, you felt you needed a longer orientation, they gladly gave you more time. I absolutely love the unit I am on. I've only been there since July but every day is great. Even though I've been out of orientation for some time, I still ask tons of questions and get in on every learning opportunity I can. Everyone I work with is great and willing to help. My unit hires 6-8 new grads each year and so far everyone hired with me is still there and happy. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Best of luck!

We do as well!

Do you know who it was? I went to school there and am sorry to hear this.

Hi everyone, I am a new grad RN that is starting in the NICU this weekend. Any tips/advice you can give would be appreciated. I am getting nervous. You don't really learn a lot about sick infants in school. I have been reading the Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care but any personal tips or advice you have would be appreciated.