Start NICU Shadowing

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Well tomorrow is it, I start shadowing on NICU before actually starting my preceptor led orientation. We have computer training next week which is why us newbies on the unit are shadowing for a few shifts before actually doing anything. For one thing, none of us have our computer ID's yet, nor do we have pyxis access. Might be a good idea to have at least the computer ID before starting. Having been at this hospital before as an agency LPN, I know how slow getting pyxis access might be as well.

Did all the Corporate orientation and Nursing orientation stuff this week. I gotta tell you, sitting in a classroom/conference room all day for 4 days has been rough. I was amazed on how many of us new grads there was, one on mother-baby, 4 on labor and delivery, 3 on NICU, and a few on med-surg.

My Nurse Educator gave me my orientation schedule and the name of my preceptor. She has a level 3 primary so that will be my first assignment. They start us with the higher level then we get to go to level 2. I will also get to shadow the NICU Delivery Team one day during orientation, as well as the speech therapist. Orientation is supposed to be about 9 weeks, 6 on day shift, the next three on the shift I was hired for 3-11. However, its not set in stone if one needs longer they get it. I was also given the HUGE binder with "everything you ever wanted to know about NICU but was afraid to ask" LOL. Everything from conception, to how they get to the NICU, newborn assessment, each body system, breastfeeding, kangaroo care, labs, iv's, etc. They can send us to the critical care class at our sister system hospital Kosair's but by the time they can get you into a class you've pretty much been shown.

I am very excited....scared, but excited. Arrg, I have to get up at 5am in order to get there on time especially as I like to get there a bit early. With the wind storm this past weekend some traffic lights in the area are still out.

I will definately keep you all apprised on how I'm doing and don't be surprised if I ask how you guys do things where your at

Did I mention I am so NOT a morning person? LOL:zzzzz

[RN4Little1s]

Good luck on yourr first day shadowing! I'm sure it will be exciting!

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

The nurse I was shadowing had to littles on vents. Little miss weight 1010g and little mister weight 1200g. Both were stuborn little chits LOL. The little guy didn't seem to like laying on his right side and ended up on his back. His O2 sats kept dropping and everytime you checked he had wiggled in some gosh awful position or needed suctioning. Little missy, well she just went with the flow until it was time for her momma to change her diaper. Then she was like "come on guys, I was comfy here".

Yesterday I learned a little about the medications used to close a PDA and what they are watching for in the way of side effects. Also about chronic lung disease. Saw a picc placed and an extubation from the fiestiest 1 pounded I'd ever seen (granted I hadn't seen many). She looked like she knew they were going to take that tube out and was willing to "help" things along. She didn't, but it did look like she was going to try if they didn't hurry up.

I shadow again Monday, only this time with the RN who will be my actual preceptor. Then Carelink class on Tues, Wed, and possibly Thurs. Shadow in Friday, then start working with my preceptor that Sunday. My guess is they don't want to start us actually precepting until carelink is done and we actually can get in the computer and pyxis.