Soon to hopefully Be NICU nurse needs HELP!

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 3, 2020

6 hours ago, MareBear112 said:
I'm scared that I will accidentally do a mistake that's irreversible or that I will freeze in an emergency situation and not know what to do

That is why we have policy and procedures, to make sure you do things the proper way and minimize the possibility of a mistake. Bad things happen when you cut corners. Remove "freezing" as an option. The only thing you need to remember is to ask/yell for help in an emergency. Within 30 sec. of yelling for help, I will have four nurses in my room helping me. Within 3 minutes RT and doctors are also in my room. There is always help when you need it.

6 hours ago, MareBear112 said:
But they only have a NICU level 3 which is more scarier. I would've preferred to start at a level 2 But it is not near me. should I just look at other types of nursing??

I started off at a Level IV as a new grad. I think that starting off at a bigger unit is actually better. They have the training resources formalized. My orientation was 12 weeks (combination of classroom and preceptorship).

6 hours ago, MareBear112 said:
how long before you got a little comfortable (I know we should never be too comfortable).

It took about 18 months to start feeling competent. Two years to feel that I can handle most minor emergencies. You are never alone, so there is plenty of help when you need it.

sleepwalker, MSN, NP · May 6, 2020

why are your "D, F, and C's" capitalized?

MareBear112 · May 6, 2020

@NICU Guy Thank you For your input NICU guy, I really appreCiate it!!

MareBear112 · May 6, 2020

28 minutes ago, sleepwalker said:
why are your "D, F, and C's" capitalized?

hahaha it's BeaCause there is something wrong with my Computer. It randomly Capitalizes Certain letter; I don't know why

will_power27 · May 25, 2020

On 5/3/2020 at 12:39 AM, MareBear112 said:
Hi everyone! I am Finishing my 3rd semester and will have one semester leFt to BeCome an RN. I really wanted to work as a NICU nurse But as I am getting Closer to Finishing things up, I'm getting nervous. I'm sCared that I will accidentally do a mistake thats irreversible or that I will Freeze in an emergenCy situation and not know what to do. Or won't know the disease prOCess oF a disease and not CatCH an error oF the wrong intervention presCriBed By the provider. I want to work at FreDeriCk memorial hospital iF you all are Familiar with that But they only have a NICU level 3 whiCh is more sCarier. I would've preFered to start at a level 2 But it is not near me. should I just look at other types oF nursing?? Do you all have any adviCe?? or tell me how it was For you when you 1st started, how long BeFore you got a little ComFortale (I know we should never Be too ComFortaBle). Plus I look like a kid and I have a soFt voiCe whiCh doesnt really help me. I Feel like when I will try to eduCate a Family, they won't really take me seriously. I was at CliniCals and this Family memBer Came up to me to ask how to get ressourCes to volunteer For his son that was either in middle sChool or high sChool Cuz he thought I was just volunteering at the hospital. And I told him I was a nursing student and he was so shoCked; I mean I don't want to Complain aBout looking young But I don't think people will take me seriously as a nurse. please help and thank you.

When an emergency occurs your training will kick in. Follow your NRP and CPR protocols, call for help and people will come running. Most NICUs have double checks and policies and procedures in place to prevent errors, as long as you follow these you should be okay. You will get extra training on caring for neonates, and with a little time you will learn what to expect for orders. If you are ever confused or concerned, coworkers should be around to help.

It doesn't really matter what level a NICU you start in, you will start off caring for healthier babies and slowly be worked into caring for sicker babies. IMO It can be helpful to be in a higher level NICU, because you will see more and learn from others. Starting off in another area of nursing isn't a bad thing, it can help you gain experience in talking to docs and families. I felt comfortable in about a year, 2 years for really sick babies.

I am turning 28 in 2 days, and frequently get ID'd, families at work take me seriously because I speak confidentiality, am knowledgeable and professional. When I was newer, I never wore colorful scrubs as I figured they made me look younger. Now I think it's all about how you present yourself. Introduce yourself as a nurse and they will have no reason to doubt you.