SteveNNP MSN, NP

Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic)

Member

All Content by SteveNNP

  1. SteveNNP

    Clinical Hour Requirement

    I need 700 hours for my NNP, and they are all in level II-III NICUs and neonatal followup clinics, so I can't help you
  2. SteveNNP

    Ventilator alarms

    Decreased MV (minute volume) usually means the tube is occluded with secretions, or worse, out. Be sure to know where your tube is supposed to be taped, and where it ACTUALLY is. "MAP high" usually...
  3. SteveNNP

    Couple of questions...

    I do wear gloves with isolation pts, when preparing breastmilk, and with possible contact with blood, etc... That being said, I strongly believe that babies need to feel something other than plastic...
  4. SteveNNP

    UAC line question

    Since there is a 10-12ml syringe full of flush attached, anyone can unconsciously flush with an excessive amount, as opposed to flushing with a max of 1-3 ml. I had a baby who got almost 12 ml of...
  5. SteveNNP

    Funny/happy NICU moments needed

    I had a little one who was, shall we say, a little constipated. Then I offered to let her mother changer her with me one day...As soon as mom could clean her up, and get the diaper cream on her, she'd...
  6. SteveNNP

    PICCs Broviacs and Clothing

    We leave the arm with the PICC in it exposed, but they can wear any clothing as long as there is easy
  7. SteveNNP

    IV fluid filtration

    The only thing that is not filtered on my unit is
  8. SteveNNP

    UAC line question

    I've used biosensors before, and hated them. Hate priming them, and hated the fact that you could easily bolus a baby with way too much saline and heparin without realizing it. As long as you are...
  9. SteveNNP

    Complete list of NNP graduate programs

    Thanks for the great thread! I'm going to sticky this and rename the thread to show up in searches better. I'll also try to add some myself. I added the new finds (UCSF and IU) to the original post......
  10. SteveNNP

    Do you give meds through your UAC....

    Yes. Never pressors. I've given ABX, blood products, NaHCO3, lasix, etc via UAC... makes me a bit nervous, but I've done it wherever it's been policy, and the order says
  11. So, sorry for the vent that is about to follow, but I have to let it out or I'm going to go crazy. I am a NNP student, finishing up my degree in December, after working and going to school full-time...
  12. SteveNNP

    What did you NOT expect when you became a nurse.

    I didn't expect that so many older female RNs would hold so much resentment and vitriol towards myself and other younger nurses for starting grad school to become advanced practice nurses. They see...
  13. SteveNNP

    Vaccinations and Health Insurance

    Definitely need the Hep B series.... also, you need a polio vaccination. They will probably ask you for titers of your varicella, MMR, and
  14. Current national NNP certification standards require that ALL NNP students have 2 years of level III NICU experience prior to graduation. I am a firm believer that when working with neonates, there...
  15. SteveNNP

    feeding problems

    These babies may need even higher calorie formulas, to decrease the volume they need to take while gaining weight. Some babies even need 30 calorie
  16. SteveNNP

    RNC--Low Risk Neonatal vs. Neonatal Intensive Care

    I used the Core Curriculum and answered all the questions in the study guide. You WILL end up drawing heavily on your
  17. SteveNNP

    RNC--Low Risk Neonatal vs. Neonatal Intensive Care

    I found the NIC RNC exam quite challenging, and this was after working for 2 years in a unit that handled HFOV, drips, lines, frequent vent changes, delivery room management, HFJV, postops, etc........
  18. SteveNNP

    NICU CNSs & NNPs

    I can only speak to the NNP role: Luckily for me, the NNP role is one of the most bedside-oriented specialties. However instead of giving meds, treatments, feeds, etc, you are prescribing them. You...
  19. SteveNNP

    One of those weeks

    Oh my gosh....I've been off for 3 weeks, and I know half those kids you mentioned! I'm scared to go back
  20. SteveNNP

    Maybe an ignorant question, but I'm asking it anyway....

    Not necessarily. NNPs can really only work in a hospital setting, either a NICU or followup clinic. Or as part of a neonatal transport team. PNPs usually work in a primary care, outpatient setting,...
  21. SteveNNP

    Maybe an ignorant question, but I'm asking it anyway....

    + Solid NEONATAL assessment skills, both in the sick and well, term and preterm neonate. This comes with experience. + Solid delivery room and resuscitation skill and experience + Solid IV and...
  22. SteveNNP

    Is the NICU right for me?

    We have had a few NICU nurses who have had preemies or lost premature infants. I think it might bring back some memories for you, but would also be a rewarding experience for you, as you would bring a...
  23. SteveNNP

    therometers

    We use individual disposable thermometers at each bedside. I believe they are made by Kendall. We have never had a supply issue with these, although I am sure it is very expensive, at the rate we use...
  24. SteveNNP

    Maybe an ignorant question, but I'm asking it anyway....

    NNP student chiming in here.... Current national accreditation requirements require that you complete 2 full years of practice as an RN in a level III NICU before graduating from a NNP program. Most...
  25. As an RN certified in my specialty, I'm satisfied with my certification differential. I don't need a day to celebrate. Although it was a stinkin' hard exam to