I spent a day in the NICU as an observation experience during my pediatric rotation.

I usually do patient care in clinical for peds on a progressive care unit with some pretty acute patients. I have enjoyed ALL of my clinical experiences to some degree. There isn't a nursing specialty that I would totally rule out at this point, but I cannot BELIEVE how I feel about the NICU experience I had. It was absolutely amazing. Before anyone says anything about the sadness that comes along with it, let me just tell you that the nurse I was assigned to had a 1:1 case, this baby was in very bad shape. I loved every minute of it. I also got to look around at what the other nurses were working on some, and I felt the same way. I also got to spend time with family members as well. I felt the mixed emotions of sadness, empathy, hopefulness, excitement, fear, pride, and so many countless other feelings. Now, I DO have to say that the nurses in any clinical experience have a way of "make it or break it" for me. The less desirable types of nursing (to me) are the ones where the nurses really couldn't have cared less if we were there, or left me with the impression that they didn't like their job that much to begin with. I respect every nurse that I've ever worked with, but I can't even begin to scratch the surface of all the good things I want to scream from the rooftops of the nurses I've had the HONOR to shadow and/or care for their patient with them in this Pediatric rotation. The caliber of these women (and men) has set the bar so high in my eyes that I believe I'm going to have a hard time topping this. I've never seen more caring, compassionate, competant, professional individuals in one place at one time in my life. During my NICU experience, my nurse explained in great detail everything that she did, and why she did it. She reviewed labs with me, looked at diagnostic reports with me, every machine, every beep, every drug. She told me if anything went south she'd explain it all to me as soon as she was finished doing what she needed to do. I'm thankful that didn't happen, but would have stood in the corner quietly and waited for that explanation. The Dr. included me in the conversations. The NP let me stand by and watch a procedure (front and center too). I've never had a more rewarding experience. The knowledge that was shared with me was unsurpassed by any other experience. THAT is the kind of nurse I want to be. THESE are the kind of people I want to work with. I feel like I've found my place in this world. I am so GRATEFUL for everyone who has shared so much with me. I'm struggling a little bit here. I'm not sure if it was the actual NICU nursING or the nursES that made me fall in love with this specialty. I'm sure it's a little of both. I'm definitely going to pursue this specialty, but I have two questions. In the absence of a preceptorship (not possible), what classes can I take that are most relevant and most beneficial to NICU nursing if I don't happen to have an opportunity to interview for this unit, and secondly, do you feel as though it's appropriate (seeing as how I may apply for a job there in the future) that I send a letter to this hospital expressing my feelings about the impression that their staff and the facility as a whole left upon me? I wouldn't want to appear like my reasoning for sending the letter was a personal agenda (although I won't be applying for a job there for a few months and that would probably go to someone else anyway). These people REALLY changed my life. Not just the NICU but the entire experience at that particular hospital. If for any reason any of my children needed hospital care, I'm there. In a minute. I believe we don't hear enough about the people who are truly great, and they are. I'd like to let them know how I feel.

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Ventilators - conventional, high frequency, jet CPAP - continuous positive airway pressure Nasal cannulas - regular and high flow/high humidity IV pumps Syringe pumps

6. Radiant warmer beds 7. Isolettes 8. Cardiac and oxygen monitors 9. Suction machines 10. Accucheck