rnpilot

When I started in NICU in 1983 we were pioneering jet ventilation with a machine literally built by our RT department. If the study was from 1984, I would consider it too old to be very applicable now. In 6 years we never had a case of tracheobronchi...

The university hospital I worked at quit retrograding meds in the early 80s. They had a talk for the nurses from a pharmacist explaining why it isn't a good, reliable or safe delivery method for neonates. I'm very surprised it's still being used in a...

I did my BLS here. It was inexpensive and they also do ACLS. I was very, very happy with them. ACE - Academy for Career Enhancement

I have been a preceptor in a university hospital level III. I've dealt with similar issues. As far as I'm concerned, it was your preceptor's fault. She is the one there to teach you and catch the potential mistakes before they happen. This is precise...

Yes, but give yourself plenty of time. Gratz, and hope orientation goes well.

I work at St. Rose and am very happy with the hospital and the people I work with. They don't offer a sign on bonus, but pay is competitive. My hospital will train people in Level II NICU because of the shortage of qualified nurses. I don't know abou...

Topped only by OR. LOL.

Having heard enough stories, and learned a little from life, I smell a rat. It would be too easy for them to pull a bait and switch. Bait you into accepting a job, thinking they'll put you in NICU, and instead end up in med-surg indefinately. Med-sur...

It definitely depends on the unit. Did they give you a tour of the unit before offering you a job? When I worked at a university hospital, I developed a "12 hour" bladder and could eat a hamburger in under one minute. I quit smoking because I couldn'...

Absolutely. You'll get "face time" and have the opportunity to become familiar with the hospital and staff. When you are ready for a job, they'll already know you so you'll be like one of them. This is good from a manager's position because they'll a...

It's been more than 12 months for me, but I did take the test in 2004. I had been out of nursing for roughly 10 years. I had 12 years of NICU experience. If you've working in a level III, you should do fine. I felt kind of clueless as to specifically...

I looking at relocating to the Scranton or Allenstown area and want to be within about 45 min. of either airport as my husband is a pilot. Not being familiar with the area hospitals, I'm trying to find hospitals that have level I or II nurseries. I'v...

Thanks everyone. My husband decided he doesn't want to move, but that's ok because I just got a fantastic job where we are :)

Shannon, I hear ya'. At about 10 years into NICU, I felt burned out and bored. I decided on a career change. I started working towards a commercial pilot's license. I loved flying! After a few years, and a couple ratings, I met my husband, a professi...

It looks like I might be moving to the Billing's area in the next couple of months. I'll be looking for a NICU position and wondered if anyone here has worked in the hospital NICUs there and can give me some basic info or advice. Also, we need to be...

I don't think nipple confusion is a theory. I've actually seen it...once in 13+ years of practice. LOL. It was in a 36 weeker. It took all of about 2-3 days to get over. In the well baby nursery we routinely offered bottles after breast feeding unles...

It's not about the O2 per se. It's about ensuring gas exchange, thus the canula with a little positive pressure. That way ideally, CO2 is kept normalized in the hopes of encouraging closure because it's not having a negative physiological effect. Als...

IIRC, it had to do with C02 receptors and increased Co2. NC at 21% would mostly encourage exchange, i.e. increased C02 encourages duct to stay open for oxygenation.

Early in my career, I was in level III for 6 years. I then was recruited to help upgrade a level II. It was definitely a slower pace until we got to full level III. With only 14 beds, it was quite nice- not too slow, and seldom crazy. After some year...

I've seen some doctors give O2 to try to encourage the duct to close. I couldn't begin to explain the physiology off the top of my head. I don't want to explain it incorrectly.

I lasted 2 months at UPMC. I've worked enough other places to know I don't need to put up with that. As was said, parking was awful and staffing and morale terrible. I had to allow a 1/2 hour to get the shuttle from the parking lot. St. Claire is a v...

Having been recruited to help upgrade a level II to a level III, as well as in a brand new level II, I would suggest avoiding this situation as a new grad. A more stable environment would be better. Starting as a new grad is stressful enough without ...

I started using primary and associate nursing in the early 80's and did it for probably 10 years between 2 hospitals. I've worked several other places that didn't use it and was disappointed. I, too, loved the system. Usually, we became the primary o...

What you are feeling is pretty normal starting out in NICU. You really do need to give yourself about a year to feel comfortable. Never be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. There may be the occasional nasty person or someone having a bad day, ...

IMHO, it sounds like your one manager has an agenda. You may have been singled out since you were away on maternity leave and are not married to your job. There may even be some jealousy there. There are institutions that demand 100% devotion. I work...