Volunteering in NICU?

[Heathernanny]

Hi - I am considering becoming a NICU nurse and was wondering - Do they allow volunteers, obviously not to do much except comfort when the nurses are too busy?

[fergus51]

Depends on the unit. Mine doesn't, but some do. Best to call the hospital you are interested in to find out.

[unikuelady, RN]

I was a volunteer NICU "snuggler" at our childrens hospital for 5 years (during prerequisits and nursing school) There was quite a bit of training to go through, classes to take (basically hospital orientation) about hippa, safety etc. I also had to have 2 letters of refrence (they want "safe" people to be with the children). I had to put time in the pediatrics unit being supervised by the Child Life staff (about a month) so they could observe how I dealt with sick children. Then I had one-on-one training in the NICU with the person in charge of the volunteer snugglers. This seemed to go on forever----but was one of the best things I have done in my life. As the nurses became comfortable with me, they would let me observe procedures, I learned what the different equipment was and what it was used for. I was able to observe the care of infants on ECMO and even be the first person to hold the infant when they became stable enough(parent was unavailable). To see a 360gm fetus grow to a thriving baby breastfeeding. I learned about caring for families of these patients. I learned that there IS a time to let go. I observed nurses care for the living and in death. I observed that it IS good to cry with your peers and family members prn. I credit my experience as a volunteer snuggler as making me the best NICU nurse I can be. So I say YES..GO FOR IT! You may have to look to larger hospitals for this opportunity. Good luck, The nurses can use your help in comforting these little people..

[TexasPediRN]

I know our NICU dd allow volunteers, but you did go through orientation, needed letters of recommendation, as well as clearance from the state (child abuse clearance and I think criminal abuse clearance as well).

I would hope most hospitals would welcome volunteers in the NICU- I think your best bet would be to call human resources or speak with the nurse recruiter, good luck! Its such a great idea :)

[Skeletor]

As the nurses became comfortable with me, they would let me observe procedures, I learned what the different equipment was and what it was used for. I was able to observe the care of infants on ECMO and even be the first person to hold the infant when they became stable enough(parent was unavailable). To see a 360gm fetus grow to a thriving baby breastfeeding. I learned about caring for families of these patients. I learned that there IS a time to let go. I observed nurses care for the living and in death. I observed that it IS good to cry with your peers and family members prn. I credit my experience as a volunteer snuggler as making me the best NICU nurse I can be

It sounds like you had a very rewarding experience.

:tku: for sharing with everyone.