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As a NICU nurse, what should you be good at? What does a day in your job look like? What should I know about being a NICU nurse?

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Rachel’s Answer

NICU nurses must be intelligent and invested in the care of their patients. They work long hours and often see babies struggling to survive. The best nurses are vigilant and attentive. They can see a baby who is about to have a problem before there is a crisis.
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Jasmine’s Answer

NICU nurses provide the day to day care of their babies. Baby 'cares' include nappy changes, feeding whether that be via NGT or bottle if they are well enough, skin integrity through turns, SP02 oximeter replacement. You are responsible for vital signs, pulse/SP02 are normally hourly unless otherwise indicated, BP on the little babes is per policy or as per the doctor's orders. Medication management, which may be through umbi tube, NG tube, or intravenously. These medication calculations are so miniscule and so important not to stuff up (as are any medications but especially the tiny babies) so you have to practice your med calcs a lot. Then all the other things like ventilators, phototherapy, and so on. It's the most rewarding job, but can also be very emotionally challenging. Making sure you have a good support network to aid in your mental health is important. Lots of study for this job too, but you wouldn't want to go into it without it :)
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Buddy’s Answer

While I am not a neonatal intensive care nurse, I am a physician assistant that has worked in pediatric neurosurgery. Many of our patients were seen in the NICU as "premies". What I can tell you from my experience is that first, you'll need to have done well in your nursing education. The job involves the use of intravenous medicines, mechanical ventilators and other devices to keep the kids healthy. You'll need to be organized and able to multi-task without loosing your train of thought. You'll need to be willing to work long hours and take just a few breaks (not always, but sometimes). You'll need to be patient, both with the patients and their families, but also with yourself. It is hard to learn all these things up front and you'll need to be willing to encourage yourself and not be hard on yourself.

It's a very challenging position and the children are precious. But is also very rewarding. Do well in school, including nursing school. You'll need a critical care certification, specifically for the neonates. There are plenty of talented and experienced nurses in the NICU that, once you arrive, can show you how to have a very successful and rewarding time in the Unit.
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Estelle’s Answer

I’m so glad that you’re considering a job as a NICU nurse! These nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team. The skills you should think about our being able to work well with others, being a quick thinker, and having compassion for your patients. I know several nurses who work in the neonatal intensive care unit, and they are very satisfied with their job, but they also work a lot. I would not be surprised if there were plenty of job openings for NICU nurses.
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