CHIT CHAT| NICU Level IV Work Update, Level III vs. Level IV, Thoughts & Opinions 🤍

Welcome to my channel or welcome back to those who have been here before 💚 I have recently transferred to a Level IV NICU, but I have experience in Level III NICU. In this video I breakdown the difference between the two acuities based on my own opinion. I am almost done with orientation so be prepared for more videos once I have finished. I hope you enjoy. See you in the next one! ✨
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[@NICU_Guy]

The main difference between Level III and IV is that Level IV has surgical capabilities. Any baby at a Level III that needs surgery is transported to a Level IV. I started out as a new grad at a Level IV. Definitely not the typical specialty for a guy, but my female coworkers and parents love having more testosterone on the unit. 103 bed NICU (3 guys and 297 women).

[@beingsalinya]

I totally agree with your difference between level 3 and level 4. At every hospital, I have been at I have had one or a few male coworkers so it is awesome that the NICU is your specialty too. Thanks for your comment!

[@scribblescrabblelove]

Happy to hear you’re enjoying your experience so far! Thanks for the insight on the difference between level III and IV. You’re so right about using orientation to be the student. I start my new grad position (NICU, level IV) in a few weeks and I plan on being a sponge with all the new knowledge. Thanks for sharing 🤎

[@beingsalinya]

Thanks so much for watching love. Yay we will be in the same level NICU. How exciting! You have to keep me updated. Best of luck. 💕

[@cescabeauvoir]

Thank you for your video. I’m currently in orientation for Level 3 in the NICU. 🤩

[@beingsalinya]

Thank you so much for watching! 💕 That is amazing. What do you think of NICU Level 3 so far?

[@cescabeauvoir]

@Being Salinya haven’t been on the floor yet. The first two weeks are mainly meetings and learning their systems lol 🙈

[@beingsalinya]

@@cescabeauvoir Oh girl I know how that is lol. Best of luck on your new journey! 😇

[@cescabeauvoir]

@@beingsalinya thank you dear. ❤️

[@adrienneagana8517]

thank you so much for your video and insight!!! i just had an interview for a residency program at a level 4 NICU in houston! i don’t know if i got it, but i’m trying to do as much research as i can and came across your video! thank you for sharing your experiences :)

[@beingsalinya]

You're more than welcome. Thanks for clicking on the video. Congrats on the interview for residency in the level IV NICU. That is amazing. You got this girlie! Best of luck! 💚✨

[@AnointedRain]

Did you get it? I work at TCH, was it that one?

[@adrienneagana8517]

@@AnointedRain i am SO sorry for the late response! but it was for TCH woodlands and no they actually ended up ghosting me🙃 i emailed the recruiter a couple times to follow up and she never responded. on my portal i created for my application, it still says under review. i guess it wasn’t meant to be🤷🏽‍♀️

[@AnointedRain]

@@adrienneagana8517 smh. Apparently that’s their practice. My preceptor is having that a problem now and she’s employed with them now lol. Sorry about that, I want to go to the woodlands but I’m at the med center. Try there, they are in need! Try night shift NICU or (CVICU or PICU) these two especially.

[@glitzyglow2940]

Thank you sooo much for this video sis! I'm currently in nursing school and seriously indecisive between starting in the OR or NICU and I love that little speech you had at the end about being able to switch it up whenever, so reassuring!! Your videos explain things so well and really give major insight on NICU nursing. One question I have is you obviously require a more advanced skillset for a level 4 NICU compared to a level 3 but is the pay the same? I hope they give nurses a pay raise in level 4 because girl y'all deal with THE MOST.

[@beingsalinya]

Oh thanks so much for the compliment and thanks for watching. 🥰 Both of those specialities are great. I still may want to try peds OR in the future because it seems so rewarding. To answer your question I am not quite sure if there is a pay increase but I sure hope so. Just speaking from my experience my first job was in Wisconsin at a level III and now I’m in Texas at a level IV so I haven’t switched units in the same state yet. Texas DEFINITELY pays better but I’m not sure if it’s based on hospital system or acuity. I hope this helped a little 😊

[@kaitieknipe4048]

Do you think most hospitals prefer BSN or higher nurses when going into NICU or any type of specialty area, or will they take a 2 year ADN with the expectation to return to school for more education? Do you find it hard to get a NICU job as a new grad? Can't decide on an area to focus on, but just know I don't want to stay in long-term care and don't really want med-surg. I'd like something with women's health or infants or children, just to have less lifting or heavy patients for one.

[@beingsalinya]

Hello! Thanks for your questions!✨ I think the degree question would depend on the hospital and their hiring process. All hospitals differ. Some hire ADNs and have a contract that the nurse will go back to school to complete their BSN. Others may only higher BSN nurses. I do not think it was very hard getting a NICU job as a new hire. I did have experience of having a NICU clinical in my MSN program so please keep that in mind. It seems like a lot of hospitals are open to new grads, but it seems like you have a lot of experience already. I hope this helps and you find a speciality that you love that suits you best. 😇

[@asferguson2010]

Do you find it level 3 and/or 4 nicu difficult?.. As in too hard physically and mentally? Is the stress super overwhelming? I am an international level 2 RN waitin on a Nicu job .. but have the opportunity to work in another field.. ( ltc or snf) ...but i am great at level 2 nicu but 3 n 4 seems like soo much 2 take on right now... what do u think.. is it a major transition (from level 2 to level 4)

[@beingsalinya]

Hello. I feel as though every NICU can have stressful days. It mostly depends on your assignment that day, how sick the infant is, how busy the assignment is. Taking care of sick babies can always be mentally difficult especially when the infant is not doing well and parents are excited to bring their infant home but can't. On the flip side, I find my job to be so rewarding and fulfilling. I learn something new every single day and I am apart of the scariest time for the infant's and parents. I think if you are not ready for level 3 and 4 that is absolutely okay. Be open to trying a level 2 here in the states! You can always switch to other NICU's later! Best of luck in your decision! 💜

[@asferguson2010]

@@beingsalinya thank you so much for your reply and your advice.. i think i will start off small.. i can always venture later or even part time..! But to start off heavy is alot to take in...in a new country.. but i will consider all avenues.. thank you!

[@asferguson2010]

@@beingsalinya i have one more question... what is the one main difference between level 3 and level 4 nicu ..in your view. Besides surgery or iller babies Also... sorry 1 more.. do doctors have assistance to put in E.T. Tube or do Rns assist with that...and do you guys cut tape for the et tubes or u have pre cut tape?...