NICU Nurse Q&A: What Is A Typical Shift Like

Answering popular questions about what it's like being a NICU nurse!
What You Need To Know Before Becoming A NICU Nurse: • Everything You NEED To...
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[@nexusnursing5811]

They say third times a charm, am officially a nurse 🎉🎉 for all my repeat test takers don't give up and don't be discouraged.

[@rachelpercle7965]

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

[@mata8787]

I failed 3 times, i lost money to scams and reviews that never helped but the major thing is that I've not lost hope

[@jacksonterry6342]

I'm sorry for your plight my friend but i was once in your shoes before i was recommended to Mrs Georgiana Gomez and thats how i passed Nclex

[@laurenelizabeth132]

I used some Uworld, some Remar, and read a lil saunders. I did 3 nurse achieve exams and my result came back failed

[@tompatrick939]

I only studied a lot when i went for the first time last year at but the second time was so easy, all thanks to my aunt who introduced me to Mrs Georgiana am really grateful

[@alexiscoleman1514]

I start my job in NICU at the end of October as a unit Secretary and hopefully next December as an RN ❤️

[@TheNurseNook]

Yes! Declare it 👏🏽

[@Sandra_theresa]

I’m starting NICU soon (I’m a new grad) , I’m actually in orientation right now. I love all your NICU videos and I would love a video on top 5 diagnosis, assessments and interventions in the NICU . Thanks so much! I’ve been a subscriber since forever . I have a question : do you plan on becoming a midwife , a critical care nurse , NP?

[@simonewade1406]

Yes! To add to this maybe the top used medications as well

[@Tatertot9819]

Congrats to you!! I’ll be graduating in December and looking to get into the nicu to start as a new grad as well. Any tips on how you were able to be hired into the unit at the beginning of your career with it being so competitive?

[@Muslimvegan2010]

@@Tatertot9819 she has a video on that already.

[@Tatertot9819]

@@Muslimvegan2010 Yeah, i watched it when it came out. I was asking for your own experience though. She didn’t start there as a new grad nurse, she went in with experience in other areas.

[@Muslimvegan2010]

@@Tatertot9819 oh okay I apologize for miss interpreting your comment.

[@mariahdasilva9600]

I was a Medical-Surgical nurse for a little over a year and transferred to the NICU where I have been for 6 weeks now. 2 more weeks of orientation and then I’m on my own… ahh! I can’t imagine working anywhere else, I’m so obsessed with the babies 💗👶🏼

[@julianacheriza1575]

What is a med surg nurse

[@mariahdasilva9600]

@@julianacheriza1575 a medical-surgical nurse typically works in a hospital on a basic medical unit and cares for adults who don’t need critical or specialized care.

[@nayeliperez5373]

congratulations on transferring to the nicu. i am on a med-surg unit too and it has been 1.5 years that I have been doing it but I am ready to s=do something different but I am super nervous. how was your transition to nicu from med-surg? i would love to hear more about it :)

[@cassadythrapp2233]

This is so encouraging to hear Mariah! I’m a cvicu nurse and making my way towards nicu ❤️

[@ellariehenderson5850]

It's been two years, hope you're still doing great!

[@monalletinie143]

I want to be a NICU nurse, still very far from it since I'm just a CNA student lol. But i hope i get there someday, you inspire me!

[@TheNurseNook]

This will be you soon!

[@ShneiceB]

Yes, I said it before you mentioned it...changing diapers...so much easier on a 5 pounder versus a 500 pounder that don't move at all....I worked ICU/Stepdown unit all throughout covid/talkin bout a burn out...just left there now I'm a pediatric mental health nurse now, soooo many children with behavioral problems(fighting their parents due to them being punished) versus mental problems....you guys keep safe in the NICU...🤗

[@glorialozano2830]

My Twins were in the NICU for a month. The nurses were absolutely wonderful, and I would love to be able to have this job.

[@gailabert7976]

I am a retired RN since 2015 having worked primarily on Med/Surg (nocs) for 37 years. I find your videos very interesting and well done. You seem to be the type of RN that I was in the way you say you handle your responsibilities, deal with families etc. (But I definitely was a type A!). I personally much preferred working with adults..... I never had the urge for working in PEDS or the NICU, but it takes all types of nurses to make the world go around doesn't it? Thank you very much, and may you continue to enjoy your career. Those babies are so lucky to have you! 🙂

[@maemillan_]

I came across your IG 30 minutes ago today and watched 2 videos and I am literally loving your channel. I am currently a CNA working my way up to be a neonatal nurse. My son was premature and the experience I had in the NICU had me in aww and made me realize I do not want to be a nurse practitioner. Thank you for all your NICU/ all your nursing videos 💜

[@francestafoya487]

I’m in OB / PEDS rn, I have my first OB clinical tomorrow and just found out I’ll be in the NICU. I’m so excited. 💕🥰

[@kielanicholson252]

Omg, I’m so glad I found this video. A few years ago, I wanted to go to nursing school so I decided to become a tech on Neuro… I never wanted to work on the Neuro floor but I was ok with it because I wanted the experience. I absolutely hated it!!! So much to the point where I no longer wanted to be a nurse. Here I am today, ready to start over and continue nursing school. I would love to work in Nicu, I only want to go to nursing school to work in Nicu. My family thinks if I couldn’t work on the Neuro floor then it’s not a good idea. I always tell them, I would prefer to turn a baby, change their diaper, care for a baby rather than a grown human! So seeing this video I can definitely relate and makes me feel so much better.

[@christinepamplona9822]

I’m been watching you for so long!! starting when I was just applying for nursing school and now as a second semester nursing student, just had my first clinical at the NICU and I absolutely love it!!! So happy to watch this video

[@TheNurseNook]

Hope you loved NICU 💕

[@mizzchuz.6413]

I love that you involve the parents. I agree with your thoughts!

[@JAH.1103]

Hi! I just wanna say I remember back when I first subscribed to this channel I was in my nursing pre reqs and you had about 50k subscribers. Now I’m a second semester junior and have about 1 year left and you are almost at 300k subscribers❤️

[@Legalegacy1234]

It is so wild that I have been watching your vids since before I even applied to my program. Now I’m a soon to be new grad hoping to start in the NICU! I had no clue what I wanted to do and your videos transitioning from ER to NICU definitely helped me make my decision. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheNurseNook]

Thank you for watching 🤍🤍

[@MsNatBeauty]

So informative! I'm glad you were able to answer my question

[@becomejadedRN]

I start my NICU job in January, I graduate in December. Love your channel!

[@TheNurseNook]

Congrats girl!

[@baileythompson2602]

It has been so fun watching your journey! I feel like you were totally meant for ICU setting!! Can you make a video about pros and cons of the ER now that you know what you know?!

[@TheNurseNook]

I am 100% an icu nurse lol

[@girlnamedbrit979]

You should do a video on some of the most common red flags you see before a baby starts going downhill

[@jazstroder7031]

I’m graduating in the Spring with my BSN and I absolutely loved my OB clinical. I hope to become a NICU nurse as well!

[@lunablu1128]

Interviewed today for NICU ❤ I'm excited and nervous. Thank you for this video!

[@ambervaldez6797]

Love this video! Thank you! Hoping to start nicu as a new grad! You’re such a great inspiration

[@fRieNdlytravelers]

Best of luck on passing your NCLEX and landing your first job!

[@xorayne_]

I wanted to do nicu because my sister was a nicu baby and I’ve wanted to be in the nicu unit to help babies like her but the fact that she survived and it was rare made me change my mind, I’m a very sensitive person and I can’t “leave it at the hospital”. I am now trying to go into postpartum, I still get to be around cute loving babies but I still get that adult interaction and I don’t have to deal with deaths often. It seems perfect for me,mi just hope I can get right into it instead of having to do a bunch of other random stuff first.

[@dollylove9311]

Just followed on Ig I'm applying to nursing school in the summer for spring classes and my goal is to be a pediatric nurse and your videos are so inspirational and really help me before an 8-hour study session lol.

[@Janayexoxo]

I've been hoping you did a video like this. I'm currently a mother baby nurse and have been since I graduated in 2019. I've been considering trying NICU. We float there often but only care for the grower and feeders. MB has been great but I want to try something new but stay around babies.

[@PMHNP101]

Love watching your videos. You rock!

[@jennifervega964]

6 months ago I switched from night shift nicu to day shift after 2 years and seeing how much you love it and how much you love learning- you’d love day shift so much and being there with the team during day you’ll learn so much.

[@TheNurseNook]

Girl I cannot wait to go to dayshift! I want better sleep and I wanna learn more lol

[@jennifervega964]

@@TheNurseNook girl the sleep is gloriousss! sooon you’ll have it all hahah

[@sabrinagoddess_]

Do you have a choice on whether you go to day or night shift?

[@juliejohnify]

CAN YOU DO A VIDEO ASAP ON ORGANIZATION AND PRIORITIZATION AS A NURSE? HOW TO GET AND STAY ORGANIZED AND HOW TO ORGANIZE/PRIORITIZE THE CARE. PLEASE!!

[@katiechladek4656]

Great video! Thank you.

[@MelloneeKecia]

Great q&a very informative and very helpful 👏🏾👍🏾🤗

[@fRieNdlytravelers]

Totally agree, I actually a ICU step down RN and always find her information helpful across the board 👏🏼

[@thsamething]

Was your transition from the ER, to the ICU challenging? I’m in the ER now and I couldn’t imagine being in the ICU because it’s a lot slower and technical.

[@mamabee2151]

As a mom - I stayed through the night in the NICU as long as she was there I sat in the chair watching her - the nicu nurses thought I was crazy but I wasn’t about to leave my baby especially when I needed to nurse her. The nurses we had didn’t want to talk to me at all it was weird

[@courtneyf5497]

I work in a level 4 NICU too and omg I cannot imagine having 4 feeder growers at a time

[@melaniemariegonzales4592]

I’m thinking about going into this field of work. I graduated highschool a two years ago and am looking into where to even start. I was a premie baby with a 50% chance so I just have a passion and a heart for all babies and wanted to pursue it

[@coffeecrumbles]

It might help getting a job as a tech in the hospital. I know some of my classmates were CNAs for a few years. It'll get you comfortable with the hospital environment, communicating/dealing with patients, and helps with time management. I've been working as a tech for 1 year [most currently picking up shifts on mother baby] and I can't imagine starting as a new nurse without that experience (I graduate in December). Nursing school is hard, and personally felt like getting into it was even harder. If it's something you want to do, go for it :)

[@shelbyvalentine9647]

We need a phatttt like 25 min long day in the life

[@shelbyvalentine9647]

Also hello from fellow nurse

[@TheNurseNook]

😂😂😂😂 say less

[@thepartygardener5594]

Hello, thank you for your support🙏🙏😍

[@sshaw8490]

Great video! Where did you get your necklace from?

[@vickyinsane]

Girl I think I saw you at Baybrook today. Too nervous to say hi I'm a fan lol

[@bisquit2203]

I’m starting my new job in the nicu TOMORROW I’m so nervous 😬

[@KhushiPatel003]

Good luck! You got this! I believe in you:))

[@TheNurseNook]

You’ll do great!

[@lizethvm]

Is inserting IVs as hard as it looks like? Their veins are so tiny and it’s a skill I’m scared of since I’m working in the NICU after nursing school

[@asferguson2010]

how often do you have admissions? like as your assignment...if you have 2 vent babies...u still have to do admission?

[@ShineyNickel1976]

I have been a NICU nurse for 5 years a nurse for 7. Your staffing ratios are interesting and seem a bit busy. Do you feel like the ratio's are safe? My hospital only go's up to a level 3, our level 4 kids get shipped up to our Childrens hospital that has our only level 4 in my state. Our level 3 kiddo's would never be in a 3 pt assignment as that is considered dangerous where I am at. So it sounds crazy to me that your level 3 babies can be in a 3 patient. Our level 2's usually only go up to 3 pt assignments but they are only 3 pt assignments if we are short staffed.

[@TheNurseNook]

Sometimes 3 is overwhelming but we always have help and I rarely feel like I’m drowning, if the babies are sick or unstable you won’t have more than 2

[@MsGabbyxx3]

How can you tell if babies are in pain? Do you use certain scales or go off vital sigs or both?

[@TheNurseNook]

We use both to determine

[@zzevonplant]

Just wondering - does your NICU not have an attached sleeping area for the parent(s)? My daughter was in the NICU (it was a level 2 unit, but she was definitely a level 1 patient I'd say) for six weeks, and I have NO IDEA how I would have survived that without that little parent room attached to her NICU room. It was just a tiny room with a fold-out couch and a bathroom, with a shower (intentionally only enough room for one parent, they stopped allowing both parents to sleep there b/c apparently it caused problems.) It was SUCH a Godsend. I just moved in there and never left except once a day to go get food. I'm so grateful that was an option, because it really improved my daughter's condition I think, having mom there with her all the time (especially when I had two bad nurses that refused to let her eat more than 4 ounces and it was a DISASTER, the rest of the nurses were amazing.) And I think it was much better for my mental health too. It really made me incredibly sad when the nurses told me that most of the parents were almost never there - even though they had a chance to be there all the time, they just didn't. 😕

[@mamabee2151]

At ours they told me this wasn’t an option until I told them I was going to sit in the chair and not leave her - they somehow magically found me a room

[@in_srch_of_lb]

I thought the title said "What is a typical SH*T like..."😂

[@giftoyelopo]

🤣🤣🤣

[@thuanlengoc9806]

i'm going to learn Nursing at a fresher in Seattle , Washington . Could you give me some of advice , I'm so nervous

[@itsbriiiyahhh]

I can’t figure out if I want to pursue my dream job of being a NICU nurse or go to an outpatient clinic setting since I have kids. The idea of going from 12 hour shift work or 9-5 has me stumped. Your videos make me want to just go for the NICU job 😆

[@TheNurseNook]

12 hour shifts>>>

[@Muslimvegan2010]

I have three young children’s and once I become a nurse I rather work 9-5 since I’m a single mother and when they get older I will be able to work 12 hours shifts.

[@monicap9565]

12 hour shifts! Especially if you work night shift, you are able to take kids to school, get some sleep, and be there when they get home. Also being able to have some weekdays free where you can shop in peace while everyone is at work. I’d never go back to 5 days/week, 8 hour shifts again.

[@patricemorrow4671]

Hello! I'm new to your channel. Not sure if you touched one this topic. I'm writing this comment during the video so I don't forget haha. What was your orientation like as a new NICU nurse? I am an OR nurse wanting to expand my knowledge and skills elsewhere and I'm very curious as to what that is like. OR is nothing like bed side nursing. Anything helps! Thank you :)

[@patricemorrow4671]

Actually, It would help if you could make a video on your orientation process as a new NICU nurse. Whatever works :)

[@chinadollrnl332]

I work in the Nicu now but transferring to labor n delivery 🥰

[@shanimars3879]

Hey Chinadoll! I’m transferring from med-surg to NICU in a month! I’ve always been interested in L&D as well, so do you think the two specialties coincide? Eventually I would love to do that specialty as well so I’m just curious if it’s a big transition for you. Thanks if you answer 💕

[@chinadollrnl332]

@@shanimars3879 hey that’s how I started leaning more towards Labor n Delivery because working in the Nicu u could go to the deliveries when we are call to do so .I’ve always wanted to do labor n delivery but it was harder to get into but when I did Nicu I transferred right away ..now to me Nicu was ok but it wasn’t my favorite but some of my friends like Nicu n some didn’t but I see u have medsurge experience it shouldn’t be too hard for u but once u get into Nicu if u want to do labor n delivery it wouldn’t be hard to switch into .

[@chinadollrnl332]

@@shanimars3879 and I’m trying to decide on midwife or NP in women’s health .

[@shanimars3879]

@@chinadollrnl332 Thanks for replying to me! During my interview they told me about going to labor and delivery to pick up the babies, so I’m definitely going to take advantage of that experience. Good luck with your practitioner or a midwife journey. Either one you choose I think you’ll be happy!

[@chinadollrnl332]

@@shanimars3879 yes girl u will be doing more than that lol but I think u will love it I only did 3 years in the Nicu but when I was in nursing school I knew Labor n delivery was what I wanted to do .

[@adoseofdooley]

Do you think becoming a postpartum doula is good experience before getting in the NICU?

[@TheNurseNook]

I think it could help but from my knowledge I feel that being a doula is very focused on the mom and less of the baby

[@Kassiex5]

Is the charting a lot ?

[@MrWavecap]

🖤my next move is formula tech

[@fRieNdlytravelers]

Move on up that ladder 👏🏼👏🏼 -Kris

[@xzach8882]

I have a question

[@cheyenneaddison2424]

Do you have a brain sheet you use that you sell or anything?? Im a new graduate and starting in a level 3 NICU next week!! I'm so so nervous!!

[@Lifeandbabies]

❤❤

[@xzach8882]

Hey

[@lunapizarro2246]

How do u stared I want be nicu nurse

[@MrWavecap]

🖤

[@bless_a_qt]

Right now I work in the progressive care unit. I just started like last month and I’m already thinking about transferring to the NICU 😂

[@thepurplelover121]

I just started my med surg job a month ago as a new grad and I’m also ready to run to the nicu 😂

[@TheNurseNook]

Been there! Lol

[@itsbriiiyahhh]

I’ve worked PCU for a few years and it’s hard work. You get used to it after a year for sure but it does wear you out 😅 the first few months make you want to question why you went into nursing school 😂

[@bless_a_qt]

@@itsbriiiyahhh literally me right now

[@xzach8882]

How are you doing?

[@lightyearsaway9016]

😎👍🏾

[@michaeljohnson5268]

Please i hope you read this ok because you deserve everything that is good about you and the things you do to help others with their problems i would like to start by saying to you and your followers how very sorry I am for saying so not so nice things about you i want to tell you i have a lot of friends in the medical profession my aunt has been a nurse and other things in this profession for over 43 years now and every day I tell her i love her because what she does to help people and today i would like to tell you something because you might not believe me or care about what I have to say because you don't like me for what I have done to you but im going to at least try from the bottom of my heart im so sorry there are things that people should know that you are the most important person in this world no im being serious about this because you help save lives that are to week to do it on their own because in your case you help kids that are just being born or how ever old they are see i was reading something that people can feel the vibrations of your voice in the kids mind and they can hear you and they know you are there with them in their spirit for those kids you help you are there angel they can feel you beside them helping them get better they can hear you fighting for them every day for them they can feel your heart beating when you see them kid getting better see i think you are the most important person in the world not because you are doing your job it's because you believe in every thing you do them kids can feel you caring for them and loving them because you get so emotional and heart broken to see someone so small fight with everything they have but i just want you to know how very sorry I am to you i hope that one day you will forgive me because i was stupid in my heart i know that you are someone who is not only beautiful but she is very important to everyone she meets in your life maybe i don't deserve your forgiveness because i did you wrong but I am trying very hard to make you see that I have a heart and it is good again im sorry for everything I done but if you don't except my apology then i will understand but no matter what happens between us I just hope you don't care if I always say a prayer for you so that God knows that you are the one who is the most important person in the world but you have a very wonderful day and may God bless you in your life and in your heart