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Skype (in my opinion) doesn't hurt your chances if you do it properly. Make sure you're totally alone and uninterruptable. I would also make sure the computer you're using has a hardline (ethernet) to your modem or router, don't use wireless. Also, test-run it several times with some friends to make sure you're connected well, your microphone works well and you can hear them well. As long as the computer and skype is working fine, and there isn't a single distraction or interruption they can interview you just like they would in person.

Is it only an RN? Are you able to send an RT with you too at least?

What Should We Call NICU Nursing is a tumblr by an anonymous NICU Nurse who uses it as animated GIF therapy. I think its hilarious and really helps us realize we're definitely not alone in our NICU troubles. http://whatshouldwecallnicunursing.tumblr.com/

We have an RT, RN, EMT and an NNP for all NICU transports. RT/RN/NNP is cross trained for all procedures and competency is done during orientation which differs in length depending on transport volume and again annually for procedure labs. RT/RN/NNP experience requirements vary but are typically 3 years of Critical Care experience along with preference to C-NPT holders and EMT experience. The RT, RN and NNP and EMT are all assigned to transport by their own departments but when they're on shift as transport they're not in regular assignment. They act as a clinical resource to the NICU RNs and RTs, providing support and covering lunch/potty breaks.

Congratulations!

Suctioning is touchy and being gentle and nervous is a good quality honestly. If your suction catheters do not have millimeters/centimeters marked on them and/or your ETTs don't have measurements on them either then I would recommend suggesting this. In adults suctioning is pretty cave-man. Jam it in there until you meet resistance, suction on the way out. In Neonates suctioning can be pretty touchy. Make sure your suction pressure is low enough (I think 80cmH2O is the recommendation) Be gentle, advance the catheter in and "line up" your measurement lines, and then suction on the way out. Slower (in my experience) is better because I can do a single pass and not risk destroying their FRC repeatedly where I'd have to make multiple passes if I went fast. If I don't get anything, I don't do another pass. If I get giant "Boogz" as I like to call secretions, I will do another pass. I assess for suctioning Q1 to Q3 but I typically actually suction Q6-Q12, I don't routine suction and we do not allow routine suction orders by providers (MD/NPs) I almost never, ever use saline for anything except purging the suction catheter. I cannot remember the last time I lavaged with saline during a suction. I tried to find an online education thing but all I can find are bedside sheets to to write down depths for the bedside from the companies that make the in-line catheters.

Every baby is different obviously but if you have sustained desats/brady (sustained is a subjective term, some kids desat/brady to code-button numbers and then return without any intervention) then you should have some sort of intervention Some times just a touch more oxygen (increase by 20% above what they're on, as an example) for 1-2 minutes will fix it. Sometimes PPV is necessary because they're "clamped down". Sustaining bad is important because when you're freaking out time seems to speed up, 10 seconds feels like 10 minutes and sometimes its necessary to make sure its not something that's going to resolve on its own. Sometimes its equipment. The bed often times has an 80% SpO2. In all cases a quick assessment and notification of your colleagues is important. If you have Respiratory Therapists in your NICU they should be great resources for patient specific recommendations at the bedside.

If you can perform the skill, your institution can allow you to serve as the competency-trainer. If you're training RTs or RNs, for the sake of competency an LPN can serve that role for the institution. That role is not bound to delegatory-regulations, its simply a trainer-position. Unless of course there is something in your states Practice Act that explicitly forbids it.

End-of-life care is tricky, but I would have done the same thing. Consulting RT is also a great idea. Considering they will be frustrated when they come do an assessment on a patient in a different situation than was signed-off to them and it keeps the line of communication open between you and them for any more consult needs.

Do not hesitate to call the Respiratory Therapist.