Tips for a New Grad in NICU?

R1515J · Jun 7, 2015

Congrats! That's great. I have never worked anything but NICU, so I hope you love it. If I could give you some advise....and this is coming from both someone who has been there, and also as a preceptor in a large NICU. Listen to your preceptor. They have been doing this a long time and won't steer you wrong (hopefully ). I know that when you graduate you feel on top of the world and at the top of the totem pole, but coming in to the NICU, you float right back down to the bottom. The majority of what you learned in nursing school is not NICU specific and everything you will need to be effective in NICU will be learned on the job. Huge learning curve here. Ask questions if you do not understand! Know that you will get frustrated. It is tough to come in to a complex world like NICU and expect to have it mastered in the first week. You will make mistakes. It happens, you learn from it, and you move on. You won't do it again. Be prepared for mean nurses. There will be some. There always are in those big units and they will try to make you feel like you don't know what you're doing. Keep your head up and show them that you deserve to be there by taking every opportunity to learn and observe and gain your skills. It will be tough in the beginning, but I can't imagine ever doing anything else! I am starting NNP school this fall and can't wait! Welcome to the wonderful world of NICU!

endji · Jun 8, 2015

Ahh congrats! I am too a new grad starting in a NICU soon. It was my dream job and now that its approaching I'm getting nervous. I'm also looking for advice, books that can help, and infant stethoscope recommendations? Thanks! Good luck on NCLEX!

R1515J · Jun 8, 2015

I wouldn't worry about a stethoscope. Every Nicu I've ever worked in provides their own for each baby...for infection control.

debstmomy · Jun 12, 2015

Listen and ask a lot of questions (but not the same one over & over). Never assume anything. Treat every baby and family as if they are your own. Compassionate care goes a long way! If it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't so double check everything. Good Luck! I am 2 years in, and still learning all the time!

arlucero1 · Jun 19, 2015

I know this is not helpful but congratulations on your new job! I start in the NICU in August and cannot wait. I've been told to always ask questions! I think the advice you already received is great. Good luck to you!