3 answers
Miya
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
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What does a normal day in the NICU department look like?
I'm in 10th grade at Mayo High school, and I also attend a program called P-TECH. I am doing an assignment where I research the job I want to have when I am older.
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2 answers
Deb Weber, MBA, MSRS, RCIS
Lab Assistant
18
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Deb’s Answer
In my experience, it’s a 24 hour day. Before 7 am there are lab tests to be collected, then change of shift, families start coming in to be with their little ones, doctors start making rounds, and new admits and discharges occur throughout the day. At night there can be new admits, and very sleepy moms coming in to help feed their babies. The nurses monitor their tiny patients progress day and night and make any interventions needed as required. Considering most babies sleep almost constantly at this stage of their lives, NICU can be a very busy place!
vishnu reddy
Senior cardiac physiologist
3
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
vishnu’s Answer
A typical day in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) involves caring for newborns who need specialized medical attention, such as those born prematurely or with health complications. Here’s what a day might look like for a NICU nurse or doctor:
Morning:
1. Shift Handoff: The day starts with a detailed report from the previous shift. Nurses and doctors review each baby’s condition, treatments, and any changes.
2. Rounds: The medical team (doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and sometimes parents) discusses each baby’s care plan, including feeding, medication, and any needed tests.
During the Day:
3. Patient Care: Nurses monitor vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels, etc.), change diapers, feed babies (often through tubes or IVs for very premature ones), and provide comforting care like skin-to-skin contact.
4. Communication: Nurses update parents about their baby’s progress and provide emotional support.
5. Procedures: Some babies may need surgeries, blood draws, or imaging tests, which require careful preparation and monitoring.
Afternoon:
6. Documentation: Keeping detailed records of each baby’s condition and treatment is a big part of the job.
7. Parent Training: Nurses teach parents how to care for their baby, especially if the baby has special medical needs.
Evening:
8. Shift Change: Before handing off to the night team, nurses update them on all patient details to ensure consistent care.
Working in the NICU is rewarding but can also be emotionally challenging, as you’re dealing with very fragile lives. It’s a great career choice if you’re passionate about helping newborns and their families!
Morning:
1. Shift Handoff: The day starts with a detailed report from the previous shift. Nurses and doctors review each baby’s condition, treatments, and any changes.
2. Rounds: The medical team (doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and sometimes parents) discusses each baby’s care plan, including feeding, medication, and any needed tests.
During the Day:
3. Patient Care: Nurses monitor vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels, etc.), change diapers, feed babies (often through tubes or IVs for very premature ones), and provide comforting care like skin-to-skin contact.
4. Communication: Nurses update parents about their baby’s progress and provide emotional support.
5. Procedures: Some babies may need surgeries, blood draws, or imaging tests, which require careful preparation and monitoring.
Afternoon:
6. Documentation: Keeping detailed records of each baby’s condition and treatment is a big part of the job.
7. Parent Training: Nurses teach parents how to care for their baby, especially if the baby has special medical needs.
Evening:
8. Shift Change: Before handing off to the night team, nurses update them on all patient details to ensure consistent care.
Working in the NICU is rewarding but can also be emotionally challenging, as you’re dealing with very fragile lives. It’s a great career choice if you’re passionate about helping newborns and their families!