10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the NICU | Neonatal ICU

This video is in collaboration with Tala talks NICU. Click the link for 10 more things you probably didn't know about the NICU from a neonatologist • How to ACE the NICU!!/...
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[@brooklynlaurren]

My son was born in 2020 at 25 weeks weighing less than 2lbs. We spent 70 days in the NICU during the pandemic. No visitors allowed not even my husband, he wasn’t even allowed in for the Cesarean. The NICU nurses were Angels. Not only do you guys take care of our babies but you take care of the mommas too. I will never forget the scary foreign language the Dr’s spoke. I had to process it all alone as a first time mom. The nurses would sit down and explain it all over to me again so I understand and always had so much hope and faith that the Physicians didn’t necessarily give us. I still have everyone of their names written down in my notes on my phone. The nurses would decorate his incubator, call me in the mornings to tell me he gained weight, tell me a funny thing he did or tell me he pooped on everyone. Let me still hold him even if I was late for the care times or hold him a little longer after feedings. They always told me he was the NICU favorite. Maybe they tell everyone that but I believed it and it made me happy! ☺️ You guys are true Angels who made such a terrifying time so memorable. My son is almost 3yrs old and perfectly fine and has beat all the odds. You have inspired me Alexis since you were in college doing videos in your cute room. I’m currently finishing my last pre -reqs before applying to nursing school to become a NICU nurse. 🩵

[@milliehummer4713]

So glad your experience didn’t put you off bringing a NICU nurse! I love my job❣️

[@morganveller2114]

I’m hitting my one year anniversary in the NICU on august 1st and I just can’t believe it. I’ve been a nurse for 4 years but was questioning leaving it all behind until I somehow got my current NICU job by the grace of God. I could not be any happier, I have found my home in my career. There’s something so special about loving what you do and having a true passion for it. You’re right though, coming into the NICU from the adult world, I had to re learn everything I thought I knew and I felt like a new grad all over again. But it is so worth it. I love learning new things every day and teaching my families everything I’ve learned. I’ve still got a good bit to go before I feel confident but I can say without a doubt there is nothing I would rather do!

[@rachaeld.4753]

It's so interesting to hear you talk about NICU! I'm a mother/baby new grad nurse and although it is very busy it is definitely my specialty! You should really do a video comparing each of the different specialties that you've worked in! that would be so cool!

[@tarynraiedw]

I’m so glad you are doing nicu video. I’m in nursing school now and I have always wanted to be a nicu nurse. My baby was in the nicu and I loved those nurses.

[@janetg.]

Former NICU nurse here. I found you by accident and you're bringing back a lot of memories for me. I spent 22 years in the NICU and left nursing totally. I couldn't imagine doing any other type of nursing, so I went back to school and left the field. I have a few friends who are NNP and left to work in management. I was fortunate to work with Fanaroff and Martin ( yes, the attendings who wrote the book), and have stories you wouldn't believe. In fact, we were the first NICU in Ohio to have an ECMO program in the 80s. Before that, babies with PFC would be on Dopamine, Dobutamine and Priscoline drips and survival rate was low. I was also able to see the first doses of surfactant given via the ETT and saw the benefit of that treatment. Like the comment before, we to used the Jet Ventilator and the Oscillator beside conventional mechanical ventilation. I do miss the babies, but I don't miss the NEC, isolation and losses. I have one friend left in the NICU, and she said staffing is so bad, that they have three vents per nurse some days. I've had those assignments a few times years ago, and it was hard to keep up, especially if you got behind due to a septic work up or needed a new IV. Good luck with NNP school! I loved our NNPs!

[@_Onyinye]

Interesting to hear these things from you

[@maggieweber2359]

i'm a new grad with a job lined up in a level 4 nicu :) i start in august! thank you for this video!! such great info to have

[@stephaniemariekoen9556]

Starting my new grad residency in a level 3 NICU next week. This was super helpful! I would love more tips!

[@milliehummer4713]

We don’t do scalp IVs or O2 hoods anymore. I have been a level III NICU RN for 43 years. I love NICU too!! Only place I’ve ever worked. Huge changes over my career!!

[@victoria-ii9qj]

I’m currently a Gastro/Hepatology Nurse in the UK and I’ve just found out I have a job in NICU. I’m absolutely over the moon about this but I’m also a bit worried about how different it is to adult nursing! Thanks for touching on some of the differences. I’ll be sure to do as much research as I can before I start ☺️

[@chloeberger9173]

I’m a current nursing student and your videos are so accessible and interesting!! I would LOVE to see a Part 2!!!

[@pjjimenez1481]

First one! You have time the inspiro to study nursing and I’ve been loving it so far! Blessings and love in your journey ahead! ❤

[@TalaTalksNICU]

SO MANY fantastic and super practical points!!! Loved doing this with you- thanks for all the great advice you gave us too! I'm a NICU girl for life too :)

[@ShineyNickel1976]

Great points you gave. I think it is super helpful for anyone wanting to do NICU. In my NICU we also use the Jet Ventilator, we tend to use it more than the Oscillator, so it's a good vent for folks to know about too. And I love Tala, I have been a NICU nurse 7 years (post partum prior to NICU) and I watch her and she is so awesome. Her video's are easy to follow and have really helped me increase my knowledge. I love the NICU and I am pretty sure I am a bedside nurse for life. I love it so much!

[@TheNurseNook]

I agree! I’ve been watching her videos since I started in the NICU

[@stephenmc8271]

Well, I've taken the exams for the 2nd time now and still didn't succeed, i wonder how those who succeeded did it. 😭💔

[@mariagloria4619]

Just say "I haven't passed yet." Don't take it as a failure but see it as a learning opportunity. There is a lot of power in "Yet"; you are telling yourself that you will get there and that your eyes and heart are still fixed on your goal.

[@lorientheresa4844]

I failed twice, i lost money to reviews that never helped but the major thing is that l've not lost hope.

[@susandorothy9883]

You will pass Every one has their own season, just keep going, pray and believe you will receive.

[@Nurse-Up]

Thank you so much Alexis for this. This video and your channel in general has encouraged and inspired me so . I appreciate you and always look forward to your videos.

[@TheNurseNook]

Thank you for being here 🫶🏽

[@jordhansteffes7715]

I’m in an ER girl!! But I looooved this video ❤ Please park two !

[@tifanylam6349]

I know the question I'm about to ask is nothing related to this but I was watching your night shift routine and night shift tips videos, I start my first night shift EVER this Sunday coming! Super nervous but very excited. Towards the end of the video, you mention mixing magnesium powder with water to help you sleep better. I'm debating between melatonin and magnesium. I do want to go to sleep naturally. However, in case I'm having difficulty sleeping I would like to have a bottle of melatonin or magnesium so I can take it and go to sleep. I appreciate your advice! 💕

[@CocoDreamer8484]

Part 2 please !!

[@PeoniesRoses]

I love your videos and especially hearing you speak about the nicu is super interesting to me. Sadly I can't see a bit of blood and not faint so there is no path in the medical field for me in this life.

[@tinamina22]

I've just discovered your channel and I'm loving it and all the information. I'm a current new grad trying to get into the NICU, but also applying for ED. It seems like I'm getting more call backs for interviews for ED rather than the NICU. Do you have a video on how you went from ER to NICU and any struggles you had along the way? It looks like I may have to go the ED route first, unless I find a residency for a level 3 NICU.

[@AL-rt5mt]

does your cover letter sound better for the ED? you may want to use chatgpt to spruce it up to make it more fitting for a nicu. both are critical and you may want to make points about wanting to see the growth of a baby vs only seeing kids for a few hours and then sending them to the floor. talk about building connections with the families, etc- a new grad nicu nurse that did their senior capstone clinical in the peds ed.

[@ashleyjones3487]

Your content has encouraged me to go towards my dreams as a healthcare worker. I want to be an ICU nurse once I’m done with school.

[@TheNurseNook]

I’m so happy for you 🫶🏽

[@ashleyjones3487]

@@TheNurseNook Thank you!!❤️

[@queenkami99]

I’m a stem cell transplant new grad nurse. But I still found this video interesting

[@yesseniaferrer3138]

Hmmm can you elaborate on that.. what do you do?

[@heresheis111]

More please!

[@shilohpeterson5307]

Really enjoying your content! Very helpful info. I've been a nurse 7 years, mostly adult CVICU. I'm desiring a change, though, and strongly leaning toward NICU. I feel like I'd have to relearn everything though. Have you ever worked with NICU nurses who transferred from adult critical care? If so, how was their adjustment?

[@alejandrasoccer1]

Great video!! I’m a new nurse in the nicu and loving it!!

[@TheNurseNook]

It’s the best!

[@dayvraezer6346]

@@TheNurseNook Your video came up in my recommended. I was born at 30 weeks in 1984 which then was considered edge of viability. 2#9 ozs. Came home at 3 months. I smiled when you talked about IVs in the head, I have a scar from the one I had in my forehead. I was vent dependent for my first month. I have a vp shunt and Spastic CP . I am also a surviving twin. I want to thank you and all nurses for doing your jobs- I wouldn’t be here without you.

[@sylviabanda9750]

Great video❤ whats the patient nurse ratio in NICU?

[@heresheis111]

Do you have any tips for interviewing for a NICU job?

[@jodarby9448]

I am a Neuro trama ICU nurse and I'm considering leaving. I am also in school for NP. How do you manage doing both?

[@tumiretimberlake5225]

I have a visual impairment and want to work in the NICU. I want to be a RN. I’m a NICU baby survivor at age 32.

[@tinaelliott]

My dream is to be a NICU Nurse. I am currently in nursing school. Thank you for enlightening me .

[@angleblu7327]

Girl, same!

[@Nurse_ish]

Do you know what level they allow new grads to do?

[@TheNurseNook]

All levels 😊

[@Nurse_ish]

Thank you!!! My 3 picks when I’m done are NICU, PICU, and Peds Oncology!!

[@VibrationCrystals]

@@Nurse_ish Good luck! I bet you’ll do great. I’ll be graduating in 2026 and i can’t wait to be apart the healthcare team that helps babies in the hospital.😊

[@lovesloths1468]

What unit do you work at?

[@ForevaLaTrelle]

Ummm did u just ignore the name of the video?😂

[@lovesloths1468]

@@ForevaLaTrelle I meant what level of the nicu.

[@joerecto420]

Hi there Alexis, I really like your content; it's on point and very informative👏 🔥. Do you have a biz' mail and are you open for feedback? I just want to share my thoughts regarding on your videos if that's okay with you.

[@jasminefrink5412]

I'm shocked u can start an IV in the scalp.