ilsaj

Congrats on your new job! I've only been in a level III since this summer and only had 8 weeks. You've already received great advice but I can't tell you enough about asking questions! I thought I asked a lot of questions and now that I'm off I wish I had asked even more. Not that I can't still rely on my peers. I felt so overwhelmed at first and I still do but so much so I had considered if I had made the right choice even though it was something I dreamt of forever. Don't let intimidation and lack of experience stop you. Even co-workers who've had 20+ years tell me they are always learning new things. Good Luck!

I had a phone interview first as well but it wasn't NICU specific it was HR then advanced to NICU manager. Do you know if yours is this way as well? I would just be prepared with notes of common questions so you aren't put on the spot.

I appreciate the input from everyone. I feel like this short orientation with no classes or anything is just not adequate. I have a heavy heart and find myself crying either before or after each shift. Is this a normal feeling?

It's a level 4. Yeah, even my preceptor said it wasn't enough time. Once I get my evaluation I'm going to let them know. It sucks because I really want to be a NICU nurse but I want to do it safely and with enough training. My non-nursing friends think 8 weeks is so long and I'm whining they have NO idea.

I'm going to probably need more time I just feel overwhelmed I'm handling my assignments okay but then there's skills I need to fulfill on top of all that and I've sought out opportunities but it's just a lot to cover in a short time.

In your opinion is 8 weeks of orientation enough for a new grad in the NICU? It seems like most hospitals give at least 12 with supplemental education/lab time. We also get no class time or anything supplemental and I feel like there isn't really a lot of structure. Week one I had feeder/growers then suddenly week two im at vents/HFOV which is fine I need the experience with acuity but now I'm questioning if this is a good fit for me.