What should every NICU nurse have?

[cindib]

I will be starting my internship in the NICU next month and I wanted to ask all you seasoned nurses that work in the NICU what is some of the things you can't live without?

[danissa, LPN, LVN]

........ An extending bladder...a thick skin.and a sense of humour!!!!!

Oh...and an ability to view gifts of chocolate as a meal in the abscence of a meal break!

With that in mind...baggy scrubs!

Seriously..an inquiring mind is a great gift..a Nicu nurse needs to strive to gain knowledge...be on the ball to recognise when a baby is " Not Right!"

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

A keen eye for abnormals, a willingness to learn from others, excellent time managment skills..... as far as necessary equipment, I'd say blunt scissors/hemostat, Neofax/pocket resuscitation guide, Care of the Sick Neonate, and a calculator with your name written ALL OVER IT so NOONE STEALS IT when you aren't looking :>P

Stephen

[lauralaine7]

Good intuition, good time management skills, good interpersonal skills. Your unit will have tons of reference material, but I have my own copy of Merenstein & Gardner's NICU book.

[HarleyNrs]

Hmmm, the knowledge to recognize they don't know it all , there is no such thing as a dumb question. A keen sense of humor:lol2: , Faith in yourself- you can do this, :balloons: and the knowledge there are more good outcomes than bad even though you might not see it:smiley_ab

[lovemyjob]

Remember, very small changes can mean a big problem is looming. Never brush off anything!

[wensday, MSN, RN, APN, NP]

Remember, very small changes can mean a big problem is looming. Never brush off anything!

I second that.

If the mum says 'He's not quite right this morning', then pay attention. That mum sits there all day every day and knows her child. A baby that's a bit 'off colour' could be vented with a raging sepsis the next day.

Good luck!!

[Jolie, BSN]

Meticulous attention to detail.