The NICU is the best kept secret that is right out in the open!

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Specializes in NICU.

I recently transferred to my hospital's level IV NICU from adult world and I have to say I KNOW I made the right decision. I love it there. It's like night and day compared to my old unit and all for the better. Some people automatically think "I can't deal with sick babies" and disregard the NICU as an option (I know I heard that every time I told someone I was moving there) but this unit really is pretty amazing and I feel like I am holding the best kept secret that is right out in the open - NICU Nursing is AWESOME!

(And yes, I have seen some very sad things in the time I have been on my new unit, but the good far outweighs the bad and being able to help the babies that we can makes every thing we do worth it. My husband refuses to listen to my day and can't understand why I would want to see such sad things, but there are many great things too)

Even with all the sad/bad things we see, NICU nursing has adult world beat!

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

Yep, you're where I was about 11-12 years ago when I "found" NICU. All my coworkers said the same thing; "I could never work with those tiny babies!".

The bad can be incredibly bad here, but there's so much more good. And with credit to all those "cute" little old people, babies are way cuter.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

When you have a good save in NICU, and, by far that's the majority, you've given that little human a chance @ a whole life--to get an education, find satisfying work, find a partner, raise a family.

When you have a good save elsewhere in the hospital, yes, you've given them back their life, and that is precious, but less time. How old were they when they came in? 40? 60? 80?

JMO, but, on average, you get more bang for your buck. And, they ARE cuter!!

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Specializes in NICU.
Yep you're where I was about 11-12 years ago when I "found" NICU. All my coworkers said the same thing; "I could never work with those tiny babies!". The bad can be incredibly bad here, but there's so much more good. And with credit to all those "cute" little old people, babies are way cuter.[/quote']

I honestly can't see me leaving by my own free will and hope I can repeat your post in 11-12 years!

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Specializes in NICU.
When you have a good save in NICU and, by far that's the majority, you've given that little human a chance @ a whole life--to get an education, find satisfying work, find a partner, raise a family. When you have a good save elsewhere in the hospital, yes, you've given them back their life, and that is precious, but less time. How old were they when they came in? 40? 60? 80? JMO, but, on average, you get more bang for your buck. And, they ARE cuter!![/quote']

Agreed! The micro preemies have my heart already. It's a nice break to take care of a healthier, about to be discharged baby, but I love working with the teeny ones.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

NICU is my DREAM job. Congratulations! I'm jealous.

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I have 1 more year left of school. I would love to get into a NICU! I do have doubts about handling the stress of the sad-outcomes, but after reading this, I am more optimistic!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

In my experience, most people are either "NICU people" or they are not. Not many people fall in between. Congratulations on finding your niche.

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Good luck in your career. Have a nice day.:)

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