NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. NICU nurses work with the tiniest and sickest newborn infants until they are discharged from the hospital. The infants could have problems ranging from being premature, birth defects, infections, cardiac malformations, and even surgical problems. Neonatal nurses are responsible for many tasks. These include oxygen administration, provide medications and perform special procedures, change diapers, and just all around care for the infants that the nurses are responsible for during their shift. These nurses have to have a numerous amount of skills and are highly trained. NICU nurses also provide around the clock care.
The first step to becoming a neonatal nurse is first becoming a registered nurse and either getting an associates degree(2-3 years) or getting a bachelors degree(4 years). Next, I would have to become licensed by completing a nursing program and taking the (NCLEX-RN) exam for registered nurses. After that, I would have to gain experience in pediatrics by interning or working in a hospital's nursery. Lastly, I would have to become certified in neonatal nursing. This information was found at http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/nurse/neonatal-nurse/
The demand for NICU nurses is extremely high. If I become a neonatal nurse, I would have to work in a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit, such as Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, AR. NICU nurses average $40 per hour and have a salary of $83,892 per year.
I am very passionate about this career because I was in the NICU for 17 days due to a birth defect that lead to me becoming premature. I want to give helpless infants a chance of having a full life. I hope to achieve my goal of becoming a neonatal nurse someday.
Haven, I admire your inspiration and knowledge on becoming a neonatal nurse. I was born 4 weeks premature and my lungs weren't fully developed, although I was only in the NICU a few days compared to your 17 days. I think you would be a great neonatal nurse because of your kindness and dedication, and also your love for children. I think being a neonatal nurse is so honorable and special because you're helping tiny humans overcome being born premature and other birth defects. I hope you keep working towards your goals & become a neonatal nurse someday! you have a very bright future ahead of you! -Faith Brooks(14)
ReplyDeleteHaven, this sounds like the perfect job for you. I've heard you talk about it before. I know how much you care for children and I think you would really succeed and love your job as a Neonatal Nurse. I fully believe that you are able to accomplish your dream of being a NICU nurse because I know how strong-willed and passionate you are about things like this. This job is so commendable because you'll be helping so many babies and families and I think that's really admirable of you. I really hope that you keep striving for this goal!
ReplyDelete-matty b
numba 14
Can I start off by giving oyu insane props for knowing whst you want to do with your life and wanting to do something so admirable at that. I thought I knew but im really not sure. I need major guidance. however back to your dream job, oyu would be a stupendous neonatal nurse, you have such a kind and nurturing spirit about you and those babies would be in the best care. you're extremely smart, hardworking and dedicated. I hope that you always maintain this passion, it will get you so far in life. I love and miss you haven and I know you'll change so many baby lives. this is Sydney adams' seventeenth comment :)
ReplyDelete