staycalm

like most of you, we have locked code carts. It's everything you would need. We also came up with a huge binder- think zippered trapper keeper mega thick. In the binder is the "most used" items for a delivery situation (meconium suction, various e...

the "bare all" part of your shift IS odd. Does that person typically have a funny sense of humor trying to make light out of something they were told to be checking on? As for my unit- I most definitely noticed the shift to feeling like it's a watc...

We have cue based feeding. It is very objective. At first it was quite an adjustment; kind of seemed like it took the nurse judgement out of the process. We all quickly realized it just adds to our judgement (no more family or doctor scrutiny). M...

Ask questions! Any new employee to our NICU that stays quiet and observes only without question raises a lot of eyebrows. Absorb the answer. Speak up to your preceptor nurse or charge nurse to let them know if you haven't had the opportunity to se...

working in the NICU absolutely makes the thought of pregnancy terrifying. When high-risk blurs to become your version of normal, it is hard to remember that has become your perspective. I worked as a NICU nurse for several years before having our o...

ummmm.....NO WAY could I hack staying in LTC or medical for even a year. I'd say start applying in areas of interest, but keep a great relationship with co-workers & supervisors because they will likely be your relevant referrals. If you know s...

I was a tech then a nurse- and stayed in the same unit. I'm still there 14 years later! Just kill them with kindness. There's people like that no matter where you go. If it isn't a unit you love, then change. I loved my unit, so tolerated it the...

Anything is possible. My own mother graduated nursing school the same month I graduated from highschool. I can speak from both perspectives (growing up as a kid with a mom in college, and as a nurse mom). My reflections on childhood: I went to pu...

I hope you had a great first day. In my unit, our "capstone" students as we call them, are treated completely different than students in regular clinical rotation. I do think it will all depend on your preceptor, so that's great she seems nice! Ou...

I have several co-workers that were once NICU parents. They went into nursing school with the goal of being a NICU nurse. It is such a fun process to see! They are all amazing nurses! Best of luck to you! Your empathy with be so appreciated by the...

agree. It's just one of those things. Generally people don't understand unless they've worked in one or have been a NICU parent. I have friends from nursing school that don't understand fully what I do. Oh well. I do notice there seems to be a u...

I've been a nicu nurse for 13 years. I'm not sure what a NRCP card is. NRP is neonatal resuscitation- and IS required to practice in the unit ( it's the nicu version of PALS, OR ALS). In our unit that class & testing is provided right AFTER be...

I've been a level III NICU nurse for 13 years and currently work part-time. Many thanks to posts with high regards of WGU's online MSN program, I am in the process of applying. I have high ambitions to complete the program in one year. I am asking f...

hmm. Interesting. My enrollment gal was able to email me very specific course work & course information for the MSN program. That is good to know though. Let me know featherzRN if/when you start!!!!

sharpiemom- agree! We have an amazing pediatric neurologist that has really led the way & set the standard for how to parent through this. He advocates normalcy as soon as achievable- by not placing unnecessary boundaries on kids with epilepsy-...

that IS good advice- especially since most nurse personalities over think & over analyze by our nature! It is an innovative way to obtain a degree & along with that a shift of "perfection" thinking. I have now been accepted. :) I am waiting ...

My NICU has a MOD family support council. It was a big deal to do this "officially". Our council is lead by one of our unit's social workers. The council is primarily made up of NICU grad parents. It is their point of view that is vital to the su...

I'm a nurse in a level III NICU. I'm not sure about evidence based research for home blanket use in the NICU (though we have TONS of committees that research and are constantly updating policies that are evidence based). I'll gladly share our polic...

I saw the original post was in spring...but this is a GREAT thread! I'm a NICU nurse, and we have at least one student a semester faint (I realize, that is not comparable to a seizure). The student is always completed mortified, terrified,vulnerabl...

I would contact any connections you have from your volunteering in the hospital & health activities. Obviously you cannot be hired if there isn't a position open, but often positions are listed "internally" first (but could still be applied for ...

agree! absolutely speak to a nursing school advisor. I would contact the nursing schools close to you asap and arrange a meeting with them. They should have a detailed outline of prerequisites you should be taking (instead of taking random classes...

Exciting! I am in the process of applying to WGU for the MSN-ed program. I, at this time have no post-graduate certificate plans for FNP, but it's reassuring to know that is an option if I decide so down the line. I am excited, but anxious to star...