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Job Title: Neonatal ICU Nurse
Education: BSN, Fitchburg State College
Previous Experience: I worked for 12 years in a Pediatric ICU and then transfered to my current job
Job Tasks: I work in a busy NICU at an urban hospital. This NICU is 18 beds and cares for babies that can be born very early and very little and for full term babies. While taking care of the baby I also care for the parents of that baby. These babies are usually extremely ill and can spend sometimes up to 4 months with us until they are able to go home. Since the baby may be there for all these months we get to know the parents very well and look after their emotional and social needs as it relates to them and the baby. I am responsible for being able to accurately to assess the baby and anticipate what needs to be done for that baby.
At times I resume the role of resource nurse for that day, which means I am responsible for the unit, the staffing and the assignments that each RN will have for that shift. In this role, I am also called upon to attend what is considered "high risk" deliveries of babies. Usually I am called to babies that are being born too early or the baby's doctors believe that there might be a problem when the baby is born.
Some days I will resume the role of the transport nurse which means that if another hospital does not have the capability to care for that sick baby, they will call our unit and we will go to that hospital and transport that baby back to our unit for further care.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is seeing a baby that upon arrival to the NICU was very ill now, sometimes months later, be able to go home with their parents. The worst part of my job is when the outcome for that baby did not go well and sometimes results in death.
Job Tips: It's a great career for a working mom in that you can have a very flexible schedule. You also can work 12 hour shifts so work fewer days. I also feel that nursing lets you use your mind, you have to have critical thinking but also you give so much to your clients but you get so much joy in return.
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