2 answers
Samantha
Student
Monterey, California
5
Questions
Asked
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Did you have any trouble getting into this career field? What are your personal pros and cons?
Did you come across any problems getting into being a neonatal nurse? What are the pros and cons of being a neonatal nurse?
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2 answers
Cristina Fore
Registered Nurse, Nurse Leader
8
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hi, Samantha! I’m excited that you are asking about Neonatal Nurses. In my experience, what was difficult about getting into neonatal nursing was finding a hospital where I was a good fit for their team and their team was a good fit for me. Fortunately, it only took me two interviews at two separate hospitals before I was offered a position.
Keep in mind that some hospitals may have a Newborn Nursery so you could venture into neonatal nursing that way or by way of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The pros, in my opinion, are being able to work with babies; healthy term newborns, sick babies, premature babies, and babies who are born with abnormalities. Regardless of the type of baby I cared for, I enjoyed every moment of being able to help care of someone else’s baby when they weren’t able. Teaching parents how to care for their baby, regardless of how big or small they are, is a big part of neonatal nursing. I enjoyed this part of the job so much, so I consider this a pro. Once the baby meets certain goals, either in the nursery or the NICU, sending them home with their family is a great reward!
Some cons to being a neonatal nurse include having the baby you’re caring for pass away. It’s never easy and you don’t get used to it; you learn how to control your emotions to support the parents, and when the time is right, you can express your emotions. If a baby is born really sick or really prematurly, the stress that comes along with helping to stabilize the baby is pretty intense. Again, you learn to cope with that stress while you’re working and oftentimes, once your shift is over, the stress comes out in the form of emotions.
Like with any profession, there are pros and cons; I think what helps someone figure out if a profession or job is right for them is listening to what your heart tells you. Do you feel like work is “just work” or do you feel joy each time you walk in? While I was in neonatal nursing, walking into the unit was joy each time; I looked forward to the challenges that awaited me for the shift!
Samantha, good luck in your future. I’m certain that the path you chose will be one that brings you joy!
Keep in mind that some hospitals may have a Newborn Nursery so you could venture into neonatal nursing that way or by way of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The pros, in my opinion, are being able to work with babies; healthy term newborns, sick babies, premature babies, and babies who are born with abnormalities. Regardless of the type of baby I cared for, I enjoyed every moment of being able to help care of someone else’s baby when they weren’t able. Teaching parents how to care for their baby, regardless of how big or small they are, is a big part of neonatal nursing. I enjoyed this part of the job so much, so I consider this a pro. Once the baby meets certain goals, either in the nursery or the NICU, sending them home with their family is a great reward!
Some cons to being a neonatal nurse include having the baby you’re caring for pass away. It’s never easy and you don’t get used to it; you learn how to control your emotions to support the parents, and when the time is right, you can express your emotions. If a baby is born really sick or really prematurly, the stress that comes along with helping to stabilize the baby is pretty intense. Again, you learn to cope with that stress while you’re working and oftentimes, once your shift is over, the stress comes out in the form of emotions.
Like with any profession, there are pros and cons; I think what helps someone figure out if a profession or job is right for them is listening to what your heart tells you. Do you feel like work is “just work” or do you feel joy each time you walk in? While I was in neonatal nursing, walking into the unit was joy each time; I looked forward to the challenges that awaited me for the shift!
Samantha, good luck in your future. I’m certain that the path you chose will be one that brings you joy!
Marie Enos MSN, BSN, RN-NIC
RN
71
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Marie’s Answer
It was not difficult for me to get into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). I applied at a large teaching hospital and was lucky to get right in. What will help you go straight into a NICU as a nurse, is new grad program. These are called by different names depending on where you live. Appling at teaching hospitals increases your chances of starting in the NICU. Smaller hospitals may require you to have some med/surg training before working in the NICU.
Some pros of working in the NICU is caring for those little angels. interactions with family members , and seeing them go home. The cons can be the exact same thing as pros. The babies can have complex medical conditions that stress you and parents . The worst outcome is difficult on nurses as well as parents. We, as nurses, cry with the family, grieve for the family .
Nurses are bad about not caring for themselves. There is not someone to talk to and destress with. Nurses turn to drinking, drugs and abnormal copping skill. When you go into this field always remember to take care of yourself from the beginning. Talk to a counselor. Have one on speed dial. This will be best for you and your little patients.
Some pros of working in the NICU is caring for those little angels. interactions with family members , and seeing them go home. The cons can be the exact same thing as pros. The babies can have complex medical conditions that stress you and parents . The worst outcome is difficult on nurses as well as parents. We, as nurses, cry with the family, grieve for the family .
Nurses are bad about not caring for themselves. There is not someone to talk to and destress with. Nurses turn to drinking, drugs and abnormal copping skill. When you go into this field always remember to take care of yourself from the beginning. Talk to a counselor. Have one on speed dial. This will be best for you and your little patients.