nicurabbott

Hi everyone! I'm a newer NICU RN and will be switching to night shift soon. On nights we do all of our weights and baths. I'm so nervous about these two things! *sigh* Do you do weights with or without diapers? Are the does it matter how much linen I have in the isolette if I'm using that scale? As far as bathing goes...make it short and sweet? Any tips and tricks for both would be appreciated :)

Thanks to each and every one of you for the advice and kind words! Yesterday was my second day, I LOVE it already! I am definitely assigned to a preceptor (as I knew j would) and the duration depends on how things go. I will start off with stable feeder/growers. I guess I'm just still so nervous because they don't normally accept someone without NICU experience. They have faith in me though and took me in! But I just feel so "stupid" already because I don't know the equipment and a lot of the issues pertaining to sick neonates...There is a group of modules, however, on NANN.org called NICU nursing essentials that goes through each system. I think I'm going to take that!

Hey everyone! I've been a nurse for almost two years (in March). I started as a new grad on a med-surg tele floor and then just spent 6 months on LDRP. But I realized it's definitely NOT for me...Before becoming an RN I was a CNA in a Special Care Nursery and fell in love. It became my dream and passion and am so excited that I got offered a job at a Level III NICU! However, I'm so nervous! I was told that right now there isn't a "new to NICU" orientation, but only a "general" orientation which is less extensive. I'm worried I won't learn everything I need to and others have put doubt in my mind because basically I don't have a lot of experience... Any tips? Help? Words of encouragement? Thoughts?