RN.amour

Hi there Steve, Im a nurse in a levelIII nicu at my local children's hospital. I'll be starting NNP school in Jan 2016, and wanted to know if you had any tips for surviving NNP school? Books/Journals I should read? Tips on classes or clinicals? I'll take any advice you may have, it would be greatly appreciated.

Lmac0202- i do believe that the birthing process is a beautiful, normal experience. I think my fears are getting the best of me. I also think that a level II nursery may be a better fit for me. Or even a nicu follow up clinic. I know for sure I want to work with infants, and be able to provide the educational aspect for parents. Thats the best part of my job is showing a nervous mom or dad how to care for their infant (aside from seeing a baby be able to go home). So I know thats the environment I want to be in just not sure what the title of that would be. Good luck with CNM school :) & thank you for responding.

Simplyroses- Now after having worked in our NICU I know that being an NNP isnt for me. I do think it would be nice to work in a NICU follow up clinic or being PNP thag works with the Maternal Infant Health Program. I want to become an NP because honestly as a nurse I feel like Im not putting the bigger picture together, having the time to really sit and think how one thing effects the other and completely learning the disease process, my day is full of busy tasks and I would like to actually be able to go deeper into the care.

Ria- I hadnt thought about that but is a very good point, thanks for responding

Hello nurse fam! So Im struggling with a dilemma about which way I want to take my nursing career. A little background info: I've always thought I wanted to be a neonatal NP. My final semester I precepted in Labor & Delivery Summer of 2014. After having a horrible rotation in labor during nursing school I thought I would hate it but turns out it went great! I graduated Aug 2014, and landed my first job in a NICU. Now I have been here 6 months now and wow I am grateful for the opportunity to have started in what I thought was my dream career Ive realized that this isnt something I want to do long term. I love infants however sometimes the acuity of their illnesses is tough. Its nothing how labor was, everyday (generally) was a good day filled with excited new parents and families welcoming a new baby, as opposed to how the NICU is not always such a happy ending. So I was comsidering applying to my local Peds NP program and although I wouldnt mind taking care of kids all ages my heart is with infants! The school also has a program that offers a dual CNM/Peds NP program. Now here is my dilemma, although I loved my labor rotation, Im terrified of deliveries because of a story I read online about a dr accidentally decapitating a baby during the delivery process True Story. Ever since Ive read that story it has completely terrified me of being responsible for delivering a woman's child safely. I know that may seem silly but it really did change my entire perspective. Ive also heard sucky things about the on call you have to do as well as not being compensated enough, also horrible horrible midnights, but aside from my fears I think the birthing process is a wonderful thing! So as I was in the process of brainstorming my ideas for the Pediatric NP program's essay, I realized that a lot of my goals are related to the occasional maternal but mainly infant population. I love the aspect of teaching parents, especially on how to care for their infant. & anyone who knows labor knows that the birthing process involves lots of teaching and reassurance as well as the post-partum period. A coworker of mines told me I was "too good with talking to people to only work with babies". My question is should I consider the dual midwifery/Peds NP program or stick with Peds NP? I would appreciate any feedback! Thanks guys :)

Gacna- Wow thats something I hadnt even considered!! I didnt even know that was an option. Thanks for sharing that I appreciate it!!!

Danielle2000- I think the intensity of it is overwhelming for me. & feeling like I dont have time to get everything done. I always find myself not being able to spend as much time with a family before being interrupted. Thats a lot of the reason why I thought of working in a clinic that helps new moms/infants although Im still trying to find those in my area. Being able to see people during a certain time slot and not feeling as though I am rushing throughout my entire shift.. I think the clinic setting would be a better fit for me, Im keeping my eyes open for something along those lines for sure.

#NurseB- I agree being a new grad is very frustrating at times. I cant wait to feel confident in what I am doing and actually have the experience to draw from when making decisions. Good luck to you as a new nurse as well & thanks for responding :)

Sjalv- I love the babies :) they make me happy even when the rest of my job is frustrating and overwhelming. I think its a mix of the intensity, the overwhelming feeling of the hospital, the being pulled back & forth. Its not what I thought it would be. But when I do get the time to actually build a relationship with the parents of my babies & teach them things it makes me feel very useful as a nurse. If I could find a spot in nursing that allowed me to have this satisfaction everyday I went to work I feel like I would enjoy going to work everyday :) I want to find that avenue, but I do think it would help if I stayed here for at least a yr to gain this experience as I am a new nurse. Thanks so much for responding

Pockunit- I've been considering PP, as much as I want to leave now Im gonna try to stick it out for this yr. & use this time to look into other areas of nursing that may be more of my speed. Thanks for responding :)

CountryMomma- that would be ideal, dumb question but WIC utilizes RN's in the clinics? i thought it may have been strictly social work/dietary

Klone- thanks for that!! 😁

Yeah I definitely think I had a different idea of how nursing would be after school and it was nothing like the reality. I think I would be great in public health nursing but I've always been told to get hospital experience before going into public health.

Thanks KelRn- I would be interested in those areas!! I will be looking into it. Thanks for responding 😁

Jadelpn these are all great suggestions!!! Im going to look into these. :yes:I wanted to wait at least a yr before switching to another area (postpartum) but I definitely can look into the teaching classes now. This gives me hope that I can find my niche and be happy as a nurse :)