My Thoughts After 1 Year Of Being A NICU Nurse

Sharing an update on my experience as a registered nurse in the neonatal ICU nurse!
XO Alexis
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[@sandylewis8897]

It's great to see a young, intelligent nurse who's not releasing a "Why I quit nursing" video. Keep up the great work! Nurse of 25 years here!

[@ninasimone1207]

In what area?

[@mariamocyreemaningding5094]

what was your specialty?

[@ninasimone1207]

@@mariamocyreemaningding5094 exactly, um curious also

[@sandylewis8897]

@@ninasimone1207 I did 2 years Telemetry, 1 year home health, 10 years clinical research testing new cardiac drugs for a cardiology group, then 12 years of diabetes education, teaching patient classes, instructing on insulin, etc. There are so many options in nursing! Don't be discouraged!

[@pablosoto5199]

​@@sandylewis8897 Most videos I've come across are about leaving bedside nursing. There is also a preposterous stigma of outpatient nursing not being real nursing which guilts nurses into working into staying in a field they are not satisfied in.

[@bellamurphy1401]

Thank you for addressing the safety issues with floating. The nurse from Tennessee that was just convicted of homicide for a medication error was a float nurse, and that is one of the factors that contributed to her tragic mistake. Floating is just a band-aid on the nursing staffing shortage, but it's not an effective solution to the problem.

[@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.

[@benjaminfranklin4631]

NICU Exam is really frustrating, I can't believe I failed again after studying so much. 🤦‍♂️💔😭

[@itsthemcornellj]

Can we PLEASE get that video on floating? Because whew…..I have my thoughts on that as well. The masses need to be educated!

[@ashleykopec83]

I'm a NICU mom Of a 24 weeker who will be 16 next week!! Shes in a great spot medically health wise that I'm finally going back to school to become a NICU NP is my longterm goal with getting my BSN first!!

[@Demziee1]

Awesome! That’s great. I’m adoring to do the same as my daughter was a 26 weeker

[@samanthagilbert412]

I would love to see a video on how you handle the hardships in the NICU, like dealing with codes/ losses & families

[@mariahdasilva9600]

I started my career as a medical surgical nurse right when covid began and it was really rough. It has always been my dream to work with babies, and I have been a NICU nurse in a level 3 NICU coming up on 8 months now and I can't imagine doing anything else. Being a NICU nurse is so rewarding. So happy you found your passion! 💗 Side note: I completely agree with you on floating. Within my maternal child module, I can float to pediatrics, postpartum, PICU, and L&D. I feel so out of place everytime I float which is about once a month if not more. I really wish floating wasn't a thing. 😅

[@ashleyanderson3112]

I’m a level II/III trained NICU nurse and I’m VERY glad we do not float to any other unit!

[@rachelc4457]

Watching this as an icu (adult) travel nurse whose worked at over 20 hospitals lol… give me the door codes, tell me how to get ahold of doctors, and show me to the fridge and employee restroom and I’m good to go haha. I always say that my comfort zone is that I have no comfort zone lol

[@robinlaribee5946]

I'm a final semester nursing student that has been hired into a level 3 NICU upon graduation. I've followed your journey and you have given me some actionable ideas that helped me to get hired--thank you. Any chance you would be willing to share what your daily checklist/nursing brain sheet looks like? I'm always interested in how each nurse develops their own style of what works best for them.

[@ashleypowell7956]

girl literally me too!! 💞

[@CarolinnaCastillo]

Hi do you have any tips on how to stand out when applying ?

[@jahzlynjohnson]

Same!!

[@chloelee3]

was your senior preceptorship in NICU? do you have advice in securing a NICU position as a new grad?

[@Bellalicious105]

Currently in my 4th year, one more semester to go before I graduate! My goal is to become a NICU nurse. Your videos always inspire me!

[@sierradenise76]

I get what you mean about floating. I was a Postpartum nurse and would get floated all over the hospital. I learned quickly to set boundaries and advocate for what I could and couldn’t do. Most times I would ask to team up with the charge nurse and let them do assessments while I would give meds and do rounds. The good thing about getting floated was seeing and experiencing thing I usually wouldn’t and also connecting with different nurses. It made me a better and well-rounded nurse and also gave me people to call if we ever ran into a problem on Postpartum. It’s all a matter of perspective but you gotta be assertive when you float. When it boils down to it, they need you so you get to set the tone.

[@wondawomenluvsupaman]

I absolutley agree with floating being unsafe, even as a tech. I am an ICU PCT and was sent to a med surge floor and it was completely wild. There were things that we don’t do as techs in the ICU that they do in med surg and I was not comfortable performing those task, like JP drains and stuff like that, the RN’s in ICU would never ask their techs to do that. Anyway, I was not a fan, and the patient to tech ration was insane as well. Super unsafe

[@Sealegs9]

I'm a NICU nurse in a level 3 and I absolutely love it!!

[@Respect44321]

Wow!! I had a child in the NICU, the nurses were for the most part wonderful! It such a stressful situation to have a ill child. I’m sure the NICU nurses go through it with families! It takes a super strong/empathetic nurse to work in the NICU where patients can’t tell you what hurts or what’s wrong. Bless you on this journey. ❤️

[@evisvlogs]

Can you make a video about your organization for a shift? I would love to see how you organize and cluster your cares for the day. :)

[@blackdogranch24]

I got floated to the ER as a med surg nurse with about 6 months of experience to take care of medical holds. They gave me 5 total care patients, no tech, and in a pod by myself. On top of that, our ER used an entirely different order system that I didn't have access to. Definitely cried bathroom that day. I'm orienting to NICU now and loving it!

[@carlyjstone]

So happy to see you back! ❤️❤️ I love hearing about your experiences! I’m a nurse too and have been recently doing Covid travel nursing

[@paolagil883]

Getting ready for work and watching your video! Your voice is so calming 🥰

[@gypsy12577]

Amen to the floating being dangerous practice sis!! I 100% agree with you on this!

[@Shaquitacombs]

I have been watching you for years and I can say thanks for what you do. I just got excepted in a BSN program and your advice helped me. Keep inspiring us. 🥰

[@maurasisson3949]

Totally agree with your stance on floating. I’ve always felt this way and I’m glad I’m not the only one! I guess it’s safer than not having enough nurses but still sketchy. I graduate in May and will be starting in a level 3 NICU so I really appreciate your videos and updates!

[@skye7948]

I just started my first year of nursing school in Australia. I used to watch your videos throughout high school, and they really helped to motivate me with my studies and remind me of where I wanted to be. Can't wait to go on my first placement soon, although I'm so nervous! Thank you for everything xx

[@justineshumate7245]

Awesome , and congratulations ! I am going to be a nicu nutritionist , so watching this is helping me learn so much .

[@amarisbent9845]

This is such a cool video, I’m a pre-nursing student and a former NICU baby!!!! It has a special place in my heart to I appreciate learning more about it. Thank you for sharing🤍

[@kareemahfarmer5835]

Love the video!! I definitely feel you when it comes to floating! I’m a CNA and even though it never really changes I still don’t like it!

[@ambervaldez6797]

You’re my inspiration for nursing 🤍

[@marisolcruz9073]

You've been inspiring me since you graduated and became a new nurse here in Orlando. I'm currently at the end of second semester, and honestly super interested in L&D and NICU. Love that you are where you've wanted to be

[@elaineacero5556]

NICU nursing looks soooo good on you!! I started at a level IV & now level III. I cannot see myself doing any other specialty too haha.

[@ilovepenguins9798]

I work on a general pediatric unit/IMC at a level 1 trauma center. After our first 6 months we are eligible to float to the NICU, PICU and PED. And the float list is by seniority and when new nurses start and become eligible to float more senior nurses get off the float list. SOOOOOO unsafe. At 6mo you barely know what you’re doing but to be floated to PICU, level 4 NICU and PED is sooo scary

[@maricelgund]

Thank you , Nurse Alexis 😊🤍🌸🎀

[@alexisguy659]

Thank you for this video! I recently accepted a new grad position in a Level IV NICU!✨💖

[@monetwonitowy-knight6305]

Thank you so much for your videos and career advice! 💟

[@salma31000]

I like your reflections when you do abt specialties glad you finally found your home...

[@destinyfernandez5769]

I’ve been watching you since I applied to nursing school! Graduate in May and start in a Level 4 NICU in July 🥹💕

[@tamaraali6651]

I agree with you 100% about floating! I am a nurse with many years of experience that has been away from the bedside in radiology for 10 years. I just came back to working in PCICU. I am about 9 weeks into it and it’s ALOT but I love it. I do love the structure and being able to plan out your day , as well. It’s so good to hear about your progress in the NICU because it gives me inspiration. I feel like a new grad all over again. Finally…..the hair tho ! Do you do hair videos?

[@mizzchuz.6413]

Very Very helpful. I am transitioning into nursing from legal - another field filled with type A people and detail oriented tasks. I have adhd and I actually thrive in super organised environments. I am not naturally that sort of person. Sometimes a framework is good for people without that innate tendency. You sound like you have an attitude like mine. This is so helpful! I really appreciate your positive outlook too. Lots of bad news in nursing right now - so nice to hear people say they love their work.

[@chloefischer4143]

Hi! I just graduated nursing school in May and started in a level 3 NICU. We have similar stories in that I went to nursing school with the sole purpose of wanting to being a NICU nurse (my mom is my supervisor and has been a nicu nurse for 35 years!). Thank you for addressing your initial struggles with questioning if your personality fits the NICU. I was so relieved to hear this. I often second guess myself and wonder if I’m cut out for working in the NICU (or if I’m even cut out for a nursing career in general!). The reason I’m watching your video right now is because I just cried to my mom after I finishing up my 3rd night shift. I told her I feel so discouraged because I’m not type A. She gave me pretty much the same advice that all nurses give to new grads… “give it a year. Make checklists” Anyways, thank you for sharing this. Hope to see you at a NAAN conference sometime in the future🤪😁

[@lisar.2549]

Thank you for explaining the personality aspect of NICU! Very interesting!

[@dasjarusk4403]

I graduate in 1 year and my goal is to work in the NICU so hearing your perspective is very exciting and I cannot wait

[@TaliyahBaldwin]

I feel you about floating to different units. My job does that a lot with the RN's and PCT's and it's definitely not my favorite. Let's talk about it! Lol

[@jaylatarver4792]

I agree about the floating thing. Me and other new grads in the residency program at my hospital (I’m in peds) have said how nice it would have been to have some exposure to other units before floating. For example, I had orientation on our med/surg floors but my very first float was to NICU which was very scary, but thank God I was familiar with babies and my babies only needed to be fed. But like I said, I agree on the floating topic.

[@silverust0922]

Thank you for sharing. I always wanted to be a NICU nurse. I can't explain why... I feel that is my calling. I am so glad to hear that this was the right decision for you. I have been in med/surg and absolutely hate it. despite that, I have learned a lot of skills that will be with me forever. Lately, I have the option to apply to post partum. I was not sure about it, but you last video about postpartum helped me realize that I will probably feel the same way as you did. I can see myself not being able to focus if I have 2 patients in 1 room. I did not think about that part. thank you again for all this info!!

[@DabidRobinson]

I have been in neuro tele for over eight years and it's time for a change. Today I applied for an OR position and I really hope I get it!

[@lmTheMockingjay]

I'll be graduating in may and will be working in NICU! so excited, I already love the unit I will be in, I cant imagine myself anywhere else already!

[@XXOVXXO__]

Congrats.

[@jenonamatuzee7797]

Welcome back!!!!!😍💖

[@TheAngelinaSummer]

I'm glad you love it. I'm currently a nicu nurse of 10 months. I love the patients, but my hospital and work environment is very toxic. A lot of the nurses eat their young and make me feel like I'm an idiot when I make mistakes or don't know anything (I'm a new grad). I plan on leaving after I reach 12 months.

[@laraeb2514]

I am so sorry that this has been your experience. I have been a nurse for about 20 years and still remember the trauma of toxic nuses. Please stick with it and find a place where you can be nurtured and educated. Study on your own and gain as much knowledge as you can.

[@cassandracano7675]

im in school in my maternity rotation and i have been on the nicu floor and omg theyre so cute! i was able to see so much like infants on phototherapy and all, i loved it. cant tell if i prefer that or labor and delivery at the moment. but idk if ill ever work with babies🤔 so we’ll see😌 i graduate in a year and a half

[@rogue2893]

I miss the original Nurse Nook Intro :) It was exciting, I understand we all grow, but seeing you in scrubs gave good vibes only energy!

[@Marilynefc]

6 months into the nicu! I feel the same 😄💕

[@aidaroman4091]

I agree with you 100%! I’m a PCA in mother/baby I love it but I get pulled to go to different floors where the patients are very Sick. I get no prior training to do this only my personal experiences that I’ve had working in other facilities but the charge nurse don’t know that. Majority of the time when I get pulled I don’t get report and I’m the only pca on the floor for 20 patients it’s crazy.

[@amyc4406]

Totally agree with you about floating❗️

[@Shortandnerdyy]

It’s been a year already!? It feels like yesterday you switched

[@ainhoabergara2021]

I was once a nicu baby and now im finishing nursing school and thinking about becoming a nicu nurse!!!!

[@EthiopianBeauty0506]

I totally agree! Floating to a whole new area is so unsafe for both parties!

[@lauryncharity5185]

Girl, I’m glad you spoke about floating because…

[@xiv5148]

I sincerely admire you ♥️

[@MelloneeKecia]

Great video as always ❤️👍🏾👏🏾🤗

[@nicoleanjelica7702]

How is your hair so freaking perfect 🤩🤩

[@kiradonofero1416]

Completely agree with you on floating! You should only float within your speciality. ICU to ICU, med surge to med surge, that type of thing. It can be so dangerous for sure!!

[@christinacopeland5951]

I love your personality !!!!

[@lmgarciaz]

I’m a NICU nurse and I absolutely hate floating! I totally agree with your statements about it, feels very unsafe.

[@daphneyjean6652]

Can you maybe do a sit down about the Radonda Vaught case that is happening right now? It would be interesting to get an actual hospital nurse POV.

[@lizethvm]

I had no idea floating was a thing before I went to nicu and it totally threw me off. Like I signed up to be nicu nurse not a pedi er or picu

[@morganisabel958]

What level nicu is best to start at in your opinion as a new grad nurse? Level 4, 3 or advanced 2?

[@kamariamcevoy1268]

The NICU is probably the only unit in my hospital that doesn’t allow floating at all

[@taylorbeard1878]

A NICU QUEEN. My dream is to be a nurse but with 2 small kids it’s so hard rn to even start

[@mckenzien953]

Hey girl! I have some gals in my cohort that have small kiddos. Id say start with pre recs! You can do them at your own pace then hopefully youll be able to do the nursing schedule once your kids are a little older!

[@taylorbeard1878]

@@mckenzien953 hey!! I have most of my pre recs done already because I was in the radiology program!! And yes I totally agree, just hoping I still have the motivation!

[@erinnicole5871]

Been a nurse for 5 years! Started on med surg, then L&D, mother baby/nursery. I’ve done staff now travel. I’m looking to transition into NICU!

[@Keana43]

I can't wait to get to this point, where I know where I wanna be lol ❤️

[@simonewade1406]

Hi Alexis 😊 I’m a new grad NICU RN resident and I have been watching you FOREVER. It’s so funny to see that we are in the same place at the same time. While I love the NICU, I personally went to nursing school to be an L&D nurse, then possibly WHNP/midwife. I feel so much shame for wanting to switch so early. 🥺 I probably won’t leave for at least 2 years (that’s when the residency contract ends)..it’s a great speciality, it’s just not mine. I miss adults! I also feel like the NICU is similar to long term care, which reminds me of my days in nursing homes 😂 I also only like taking care of CPAP babies and up. Feeder grower assignments feel like babysitting. Thank you for all of the honesty expressed in this video.

[@simonewade1406]

*I worked in nursing homes as a CNA prior to nursing school

[@mariapatlan5746]

It's funny how that works! I just got offered an L&D position as a new grad but during nursing school I was always drawn towards NICU! But I am excited either way because I get to be in an OB setting 😊

[@tropicalbagtv1874]

Great points made. Floating sounds unsafe. Sounds like there's a ton to learn there. How do you deal with seeing the worse of cases being a nurse?

[@chinita9428]

I started in medsurg and would float to different floors including ER and I hated it. I’m now in the newborn nursery and float to nicu which is what I thought I wanted, but I’ve discovered I do not like nicu. I prefer the nursery. I’m looking to leave the bedside though, I’m just over it for many reasons 😕 So glad you found your dream job 😊

[@laraeb2514]

Us NICU nurses are super particular about our beds and bedsides, I get twitchy when things are a mess.

[@PowerfulExpression15]

Wow I needed this video. I’m a senior nursing student graduating in a month. When I did my first in person clinical it was during my maternity rotation in the NICU and I literally FELL IN LOVE. It’s my dream to be there. I needed to see this to get a better idea of what I want… and what I want is to be in the NICU 💗🙏🏽

[@NurseBooksAndTravel]

I completely agree, floating sucks and is often unsafe!

[@ShneiceB]

Wooooooooow.....first time floating... whatha, whatha?......my first day off orientation for ICU/stepdown, I was floated to CVU....you talkin bout lost for the whole day and behind....prayin to the Lord all day long....he carried me through, gave me that grace....😊 In my Nursing career I have been floated sooooo many times...in fact I'm still floatin as we speak....🙄 but, now I'm PRN and a travel nurse, didn't get away from it, still....

[@bodyoverloading]

I’d like to know thoughts about labor and delivery !

[@deshaunaharper6281]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!I CAN'T STAND FLOATING!!!!!!!!!!!! (Slowly inhales and exhales) Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

[@Bel0ve01]

You're right about the teeth staining when drinking fluids without a straw but what is worse.... lip wrinkles or teeth staining? I mean you can always whiten your teeth. Idk something to think about... ;) Love your video btw!

[@egypt8904]

I see ur nose job more on this video. It looks slimmer and more lifted compared to the other video about ur nose job. It’s look good!

[@morganveller2114]

I’m going to be 3 years into my nursing career and am debating on finally making the transition to either NICU/L&D soon. I’m currently working on a cardiac stepdown unit and feel like I’m finally confident in my abilities and skill set for that particular patient population. I’ve also been working as a charge nurse on my current unit too so I feel like I have a lot of autonomy and leadership skills. I guess I’m just scared to make the decision to leave what’s comfortable to basically start over in a whole new specialty where I know nothing. I know my heart is in NICU and the baby world but it’s scary to take the leap 🙃 I guess I was wondering if you had any advice or words of encouragement to just go for it lol

[@TalaTalksNICU]

Loved this video. I bet you're a fantastic NICU nurse too :)

[@saunyaewatson]

loooove your videos

[@Thinkslikemakeup]

I’ll be graduating soon and I never really considered the NICU, but after this video I just might bc I am all about organization, type A personality and all that jazz. Which is why I also I haven’t decided upon a dream specialty really bc all my clinicals where I’ve been in med surg, oncology, ER, psych, and surgical have been ALL been chaotic and I’m just not that type of person lol

[@christynamackay8306]

I start my OB & Peds clinicals next month and I am so excited! Very interested in NICU as well ☺️ just wondering how many patients do you typically have?

[@eland7373]

2 patients at the most on level 4 3 patients at the most on level 3 My daughter is a level 4 NICU nurse but started on level 3

[@simplystunninglu]

My son was born at 5 months 1 pound 2 ounces so I’m definitely in school for it now I had to learn a lot as a patient there plus ima cna idk if that a plus but I’m ready

[@rosecece2466]

Hello, I was a mom in the NICU we were in a level three for 84 days due to preterm birth at 29 weeks. For the first couple weeks I sat there crying because I was uneducated on every little beep. None the less I had a nurse who taught me what everything means so basically I wouldn’t be worried all the time (at one point I was crying cus the gavage was going off lol) my question is how do u deal with parents especially ones with really sick babies? What are some of your strategies to helping parents feel more comfortable with there temporary home? Thank you so much I’ve been watching you for years!!!

[@hollyburcker2282]

Oh yikes! I don’t get how they expect you to float from NICU to CVICU?! All hospitals in my area only float any nurse under that OB/NICU/ Nursery umbrella to other OB/nursery/NICU units and we still get specifically cross trained for those units.

[@thepinknurse_]

Do you think that it’s a good idea to go into Nicu as a new grad? Or is it best to get adult experience first to know how to take care of both populations?

[@y.ocharan8598]

Hi! can you do a video on what you bring to work and what stethoscope you use!?

[@damariscampos4006]

I agree, floating is completely unsafe

[@laurenliz2219]

I just started in a level 4 nicu as a new grad and I was wondering if there are any textbooks or educational materials that could help me with learning the disorders, care, just anything supplemental to what I’m getting in my residency program??

[@crazycatlady312]

I'm a LVAD/Cardiac nurse but I've always wanted to be a NICU nurse. I'm scared to take the leap

[@haleyrosea]

Your commentary on floating >>>> haven’t even graduated yet and can already 100000% see how unsafe it is…

[@malikamanelva]

Love that you found your bread and butter! I love that we have so many different specialities to choose from as nurses. - Girl as a travel nurses we get floated all the timeee 😅😭 We should petition lmao jk.✨

[@robinmartinez4070]

What are your thoughts about NNPs? Do you think that’s a good job?

[@jillvaldes8203]

What is admission check list and also what kind of orders to expect. Since you say there are constantly many.

[@ashleyturner7743]

Our hospital has it set where if you work NICU, you’ll get floated to mother baby or L&D, that’s it.

[@nursenadiak]

Our hair is so similar what products are you using ?! Your hair is just 🤩🤌🏽

[@gthomas5129]

yes we love a nurse that hates floating 🥰

[@missydogood3935]

I am thinking of going into this field what would you recommend starting with first

[@xolovely91ox]

My heart is in the NICU as well but im also afraid of med administration. During nursing school peds math was my struggle and im afraid i cant do it. Is there something in place that quadruple checks the math for med administration?