whats your motivation?

Finallyat40 · Apr 14, 2005

First of all, I'm very sorry for the loss of your son. I, too am the parent of a NICU baby. I just graduated from nursing school in December and as of May 7, 2005, I will have completed my residency in the NICU. I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, however, after the experiences of our family, I felt "led" towards the NICU, and throughout nursing school, had every intention of working there.

I do feel that as a parent of a NICU baby we have a little different understanding of both sides of the coin. After all, the only ones who will ever understand how lonely it is to leave the hospital without your baby are those that have experienced it! In the same vain, you have an even more intimate understanding of the "end of life" issues and how they affect the family and probably some great ideas on how they should be handled. One of my biggest fears and concerns is that I would have difficulty separating our personal experience from my practice of nursing. So far, this hasn't been a problem. I've even been told by some that they appreciated the different views that I bring to certain situations.

If nursing is what you want to do and you feel that the NICU is where you should be.....go for it! Worst case scenario, you'll change your mind, and that's ok too! Good Luck.

Jamie

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2005

Hi all
I have a son who was in nicu for 3 weeks and died after the decision was made to with draw support. This happened 3 years ago and i have since decided to start my nurse training with the intention of working in the nicu. i feel personally i have a very unique view of what goes on in the nicu...
Anyhow was just wondering do you come across many nurses who have entered into nursing after a loss like mine? im not sure how well i will be responded to...
Also i would love to hear anybody elses stories about how they decided that this was the career for them...
Thank you

Hi,

I had a friend who went into nursing after his wife had died of cancer, he did very well and the reasons why he came in to nursing didn't enter the equasion. We all have our reasons for entering nursing none better than the other. You will be welcomed into the profession. Have you been accepted into a school of nursing yet, and are you going into paeds? Anyway good luck

twinny · Apr 14, 2005

I can sort of understand your feelings. My brother died some years ago in neonatal after the decision was made to terminate the life support and from that day I always said that I would never work with babies or young children.

I am currently a 1st year student on a maternity placement and I am having a great time.

I know that I am only spending a few weeks on this placement and that you are thinking of making it a career but I feel that as long as you understand your own feelings and reasons for taking this path then there is nothing to stop you.

There is always help and advice out there, have you thought about chatting with the lecturers at your local uni ?

wish you all the best x

sparkyRN · Apr 14, 2005

No personal experience here, but I work with several nurses who had premies. 3 were NICU nurses when they had their babies and all lived, 2 without problems and 1 with some neuromuscular problems. One had a premie that died when she was a teenager; later she had 3 healthy children. They are all good nurses whose experiences enhance their abilities to empathize. I think as long as you have had closure with your own experience, you will have alot to offer parents as a NICU nurse.

lady_jezebel · Apr 15, 2005

Oh, it is heartbreaking to read your post. How tragic. That must be the hardest thing a person (and mother) can go through. You will be of great service to other parents who go through this same thing in the NICU. Best wishes to you in your career.

kitty29 · Apr 20, 2005

I actually was a premie...way Way back(only 2 way's tho). So I feel I have a connection too.

Having worked in a level III NICU for over 25 years now, I can see working NO were else...even a bad day here is better than any where else!