Volunteering in NICU

[ERsn]

Hey everyone:)

I still a way to go, but once i graduate from my RN program, i would love to get into the NICU. Do you think volunteering is a good way to possibly get a position in the nicu?

Also, the volunteer dept. said i wouldnt be allowed to hold the babies... does anyone have any ideas of what i would be doing in the nicu as a volunteer??

Thanks again everyone!:redpinkhe

[ymm123]

interesting, not sure what you'd be doing. The only thing volunteers can do in our unit is hold our intermediate care babies. We actually call them cuddlers so not sure what you'd be doing. But it might be a nice way to get to know the unit and let them get to know you.

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

I think this is a great way to get exposure to the NICU. I am not a baby nurse but love our volunteers at the hospital. It will look good on your resume too!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I worked with some volunteers at my previous NICU. They were allowed to hold some stable babies from time to time, but they also did things like folding and stocking linens, assembling packets of admission paperwork and helping to answer phones.

[elle_RN]

When my son was in the NICU a volunteer cold hold babies as long as they weren't on a vent, and feed the feeder grower babies who were nippling well.

I'm trying to volunteer in a NICU and the closest, biggest one may not let me because they call it their "grandmother" program and because I'm young they don't think the parents would like it. My oldest is 5 years old, so I'm hoping not to be called a grandmother anytime soon! I have three kids and have had a baby in that NICU so I'm trying to get them to make an exception.

Just a heads up that it may be difficult to actually volunteer in one. However I've heard that other NICUs are less strict.