NICU, RN
Welcome to the world of neonatal nursing, where every day is someone’s birthday, and we compete for the best baby “burrito” swaddle.
Yes, being a NICU nurse means you might witness a first and last breath in the same day, but before you say I could never handle that, I’d like to share some of the moments that make this the most magical field of nursing.
As a premature baby myself, I spent the wee hours of my life under the same lights, hearing the same ventilators beeping. Machines that sustain life until life sustains itself. Despite being in the adult ICU herself, my mother recovered just enough to wheel herself through the NICU doors during my toughest times.
As a kid, you always hear stories that teachers would call “larger than life.” To be notable. Impressive beyond all compare. This is the only way I would describe the bond between a mother and her baby.
As a neonatal nurse, you learn that the small things are anything but small.
You watch a parent’s face light up as they feel their baby’s heartbeat against theirs for the first time while doing skin-to-skin. You witness a baby who could not breathe on their own now finishing a two-ounce bottle. You get the honor of playing a role in helping a child meet their adoptive family and providing emotional support to both families.
To get in the spirit of Neonatal Nurses Week, look no further than the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) annual conference for the newest resources for education and networking.
Some other favorite learning podcasts that can be accessed from home include:
Here are some tips for any new graduate who hopes to enter this wonderful corner of the nursing world. Against the common recommendation of some nursing professors to gain medical-surgical or “general” nursing experience before specializing, I began my career in the NICU as a new graduate nurse.
Though no one has ever asked if I regret that decision, my answer would be a resounding no for a variety of reasons. There are truly exceptional nurses who find a calling in the adult world, surgical world, you name it. However, I am here to tell you that new graduates are not only accepted into the NICU world but can also thrive within it from the start. How, you ask?
Here are some quick pointers if you find yourself in this position:
Research hospitals that provide new graduate NICU training. This should entail at least a few months of orientation to different levels within the NICU.
Network and/or shadow with NICU nurses within your area; this is key to learning about options nearby and letting them see your interest in the field. If possible, ask for positions as a NICU tech.
Be willing to expand your job search to many regions if you are willing to relocate for the job.
Look for a hospital that displays quality leadership roles. Nurses thrive when we find support amongst our peers and medical team. While it is true that you grow from hardship, there should always be someone you can look to with any question or concern.
To honor Neonatal Nurses Week, here are some of my personal favorite discounts and deals with extend beyond this week of September:
For hospital administrators, managers, or someone who has a NICU nurse in their life, here are some NICU nurse-related gifts I’d recommend:
Happy Neonatal Nurses week to all those who hold micro preemie diapers in the palm of their hands!
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