KatrinaPM

Hello Everyone! I work in Neonatal ICU and currently have three years of experience. I heard that some CRNA programs do accept people with NICU experience. Does anyone happen to know which schools these might be? Thanks in advance!

Our policy (I'm in Cincinnati, now) is that once babies are nippling 25% of their feeds (2x a day), then all developmental tools (snuggle ups, froggies, snoedels) need to be removed from the bed and unless a kid is experiencing reflux that is symptom...

I like "Sound Advice". You could say something like, Sound Advice: a proposal for improving developmental outcomes in the NICU. Hearing the ones who cannot speak: How noise levels can be lowered to improve outcomes.

We do not feed while on Indocin. But some small kids that we give prophyllactic indocin to (23-24 weekers generally), usually are on fluids for the first few days of life anyway.

Where in Michigan are you? I used to work at Holden. I basically got the position because I had a few clinical experiences there, and was encouraged to apply for a new grad position by my preceptor. If you can shadow, I would definitely recommend th...

We don't give baths on new admits until at least 6 hours after they arrive, and are stablized, whichever comes first. The vernix has a antimicrobial property, so best to let it protect that new skin like it is designed to do. Micropremies get baths w...

I love the Ballard, as well. We tested other companies' inlines and there was a definite preference on our unit.

The unit I currently work at changes them every 4 weeks. But, also, if the kid is on humidity, we empty the water out once a day and caviwipe the inside of the drawer, because pseudomonas can grow. My previous unit where I worked changed the beds e...

SteveRN21, I would be very interested as well. The past two years I have worked in two different NICUs and never was this mentioned by anyone regarding the positioning of infants midline for the first 72 hours. But considering that most bleeds occur ...

Every time I've been taught how to hang new TPN, I have been taught to remove the excess TPN from the previous day's fluid due to the fact that the tubing contains quite a few hours worth of fluid due to the small fluid requirements of infants. So, e...

Gross! I should think so!

Just be careful not to call in TOO early. Sometimes administration can question you as to why you 'know' you'll be sick enough to call in "already". Just make sure you know your unit culture and what is acceptable. I usually call in the early afterno...

Hey there! I am new to Cincinnati because my husband started med school at UC and I am working as an RN until it's MY turn to go back to school! Whee! Anyway, as far as where to live, my suggestion is to move to the East Side of the city or to look ...

I PMed you about my experience but, reading your post, I think that NICU sounds awesome. (I wish I was in THAT nicu!) And 6 months is a great preceptorship, you're going to feel totally comfortable after you're done, and remember, you can always ask ...

Another trick I learned to fix the Air in Line issue was to clean the 'eye' part of the alaris pump with alcohol. When it's dirty is also senses air in line. :)

I came from Michigan and moved to Cincinnati because my husband started medical school at UC. I interviewed at Good Sam and at Children's for their NICU. Good Sam (TriHealth) actually offered me more money than Children's and there are a lot of diff...

I am moving to the Cincinnati Area, where my husband will be attending medical school at UC. I am wondering where we should look for housing. I want proximity to the school, a safe area, and reasonably priced (The hyde park area, I've found is out...

I mean the types of errors where there is an incident report made up and families are informed of the mistake. Do you take care of those babies the next night? How do you handle the parents? How do you handle yourself? And how do you handle your co-...

I'm at a teaching hospital and I know there are "cheat sheets" for the residents that come in monthly that have all of the protocols in one very condensed space. See if you have anything like that available! :)

Tips, Ah, yes, I have tips. Many tips. I just had my last day of orientation, (5 months long). And it's been a good but very up and down process. 1. Find a few people you can trust. I happen to have an amazing unit educator, and actually I have foun...

Ugh! I sent my information in to the Pierson and to the state April 4th. I graduated on April 30th. And I was told by this guy to just be patient, they haven't gotten to my name and I should get my ATT in three weeks. Almost everyone else in my class...

Well....definitely look into Chicago Hospitals. I think my roommate got a job offer at Northwestern, and Rush. Another thing you could do is call nurse recruiters at bigger hospitals and ask them what their suggestions might be. I mean, it's not your...

You have to have permission? That's ridiculous! High school students shadow (this is like for a day or two, not a semester's worth.) Also, call around to other hospitals. Not all NICUs hire experienced nurses who've been in other areas. Other option...

Is there any way you could fit working into your life? If you took a job as a nurse aide on the unit, the likelihood that you'd eventually would be hired would probably skyrocket. Also, try to contact nurse managers ask them what they would like to s...

I just graduated from nursing school and my goddaughter was talking to her mom. Mom: "I can't believe she's done! She's going to be an RN" My Goddaughter smiled gleefully: "Yeah, a Real Nurse!"