Volunteer Cuddlers Program in the NICU

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

Greetings everyone! :)

I'm currently a pre-nursing student and am getting the ball rolling in terms of volunteer work.

I live in Tallahasee, FL and there are no Volunteer Cuddler programs here whatsoever.

For those of you who do not know what a Cuddler program is, click the link below for some background information:

http://volunteerguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/baby-cuddlers.htm

I've read on here that some pre-nursing students and nurses have started these programs in local hospitals where they did not previously exist.

Can I pick your brain for a few minutes and let me know how you initiated the process of creating the organization? :idea:

I am really anxious to implement one and I was wondering if some of you did so through your University (partnering with a local hospital) and what steps I can take to making this a reality.

These babies need a physical presence and it has been proven that such stimulation encourages growth and development!

Thank you for reading and for your responses! :up: :o

I will respond to any questions!

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I don't know how to start a program like this, but I'd love to get involved with one! I might contact my hospital to see if they have a program and if not, I'll look in to implementing one.

Have you contacted the NICU/PICU units at your local hospital to see what needs to be done?

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I don't know how to start a program like this, but I'd love to get involved with one! I might contact my hospital to see if they have a program and if not, I'll look in to implementing one.

Have you contacted the NICU/PICU units at your local hospital to see what needs to be done?

Looking into that today! :yeah:

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Specializes in Infusion.

Is there a children's hospital in Tallahassee? Does the local hospital have a large "at risk" population? I don't live in a big city and the nearest NICU/PICU hospital is 50 minutes away. Most parents don't leave their baby's side while in the hospital except for those parents whose babies were taken away due to drug use or other issues. First you'll want to find out if there is a need at one of the local hospitals. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I would contact the hospital's volunteer services department. At my hospital, the "cuddlers" are co-ordinated through volunteer services. If there is no such program currently, volunteer services maybe able to help you determine if there is a need and how to go about starting, getting support, etc.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

What a wonder idea. Much luck to you!!

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Did you ever get one started or find one in tallahassee?!

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Hey! After a practicum for a Child Development course, volunteering in Peds, and an internship in the NICU, I was able to worm my way into the cuddler program at TMH! It was amazing. I was there for about a year and then I moved after graduating.

It's funny because prior to all of that, I was told there wasn't a cuddler program there. Sometimes it's about who you know! Contact the Volunteer Department and ask!

Gabby

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