starting a NICU job

Hi all,

I am starting a full time nursing position in a level 4 NICU this April. I am brand new to the NICU, I have labor and delivery, postpartum ,nursery and med-surg experience. I want to be as prepared as possible, and am looking for suggestions on what I can do to make my transition as smooth as possible. Also i was wondering if you recommend joining a national assosciation and if so which one? Thanks so much for your input!!

[prmenrs, RN]

There are some stickies @ the top of the forum. All of your work experience helps, but as you will hear several times too many, "Babies are different".

Get started by buying Merenstein and Gardner, Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care and some highlighters.

Last tip: never try to remove an IV by cutting off the tape w/your bandage scissors. Too easy to cut off a digit, which never goes well w/the parents.