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As a New NICU nurse, I was so overwhelmed by the amount of medical "jargon"  I needed to learn in addition to mastering working at the bedside. Below, I’ve defined a set of common terms we use daily to prepare you for your first few weeks on the job !  While you are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as a new nurse or parent you will hear the doctors & nurses speaking in what seems to be a foreign language. Understanding these words and adapting to this NICU culture can be quite a challenge. I have compiled a list of common terms here to help you in this process! Common NICU Nursing Terms When you’re new to working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit , you’ll hear members of the medical team  using NICU-specific terminology and abbreviations to describe a patient’s status or condition. Understanding the meaning of these terms can be quite a challenge. The list below can help you navigate this process!  A's & B's An abbreviation referring to episodes of a pnea and b radycardia; see APNEA and BRADYCARDIA ANEMIA A lab reference signifying that there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells a sample of blood APNEA The cessation of breathing for greater than 20 seconds ASPHYXIA A condition referring to a lack of sufficient oxygen to the tissues of the body; the brain and the kidneys are the most sensitive organs to low oxygenation and show damage quicker than other body parts ASPIRATION Breathing a foreign material (milk/formula, stomach fluids, meconium, etc.) into the lungs ATTENDING PHYSICIAN The doctor who is responsible for coordinating the medical care for a patient; in the NICU the attending physician will generally be a neonatologist “BAGGING” A slang term used to reference the pumping of air into an infant’s lungs using oxygen and a rubber bag; “bagging” is most often implemented to assist a patient who needs help breathing BILIRUBIN A yellow-pigmented waste product that forms when the body naturally eliminates old or damaged red blood cells. It often makes a patient’s skin and eyes look yellow or brown. Premature infants are often put under fluorescent light or a lighted blanket to safely remove bilirubin from the body; see BILI LIGHTS and JAUNDICE “BILI LIGHTS” or “BILI BLANKET” This term is used in conjunction with the term phototherapy and refers to the lights used to treat jaundice; see BILIRUBIN and JAUNDICE BLOOD GAS This term is shorthand and refers to an arterial blood gas or a venous blood gas. These tests are used to evaluate an infant’s level of blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid. This helps clinicians evaluate an infant’s respiratory status and determine a plan for managing long-term oxygenation "BLOW BY”:  A slang term that refers to the practice of giving a patient a small amount of oxygen by holding an oxygen tube or mask a centimeter or two from an infant’s nose  BP:  This is an abbreviation for the term blood pressure and refers to pressure experienced exerted against the walls of the arteries during each pulsation of the heart "BRADY" This term is shorthand for the word bradycardia and refers to an infant heart rate below 100; it can also refer to a rapid slowing of a baby’s heart rate, even if the number sits above 100 CARDIOLOGIST A medical doctor who manages heart functioning CASE MANAGER A staff member who collaborates with insurance agencies to clarify the reason for hospital admission and the length of stay required; they also help with discharge planning and arrange for medical equipment required for discharge; when necessary, they also initiate referrals to funding agencies for medically and financially eligible infants; this team member is different from the insurance company case manager who is assigned to customize and individualize benefits for those with extensive or complex health care needs CBC This is an abbreviation for the lab test complete blood count; this test the volume of various types of cells present in the blood, chiefly: red blood cells (oxygen-carrying cells), white blood cells (infection-fighting cells), and platelets (clot-forming cells) CENTRAL CATHETER or CENTRAL LINE A thin, flexible tube (catheter) placed in a vein or artery to deliver medications, vitamins, and fluids to the body; broviac catheters are usually placed in the upper chest and tunnel under the skin to enter the vena cava; PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) lines are usually threaded through a vein in the arm to the vena cava; this term also refers to umbilical venous and umbilical artery catheters that are inserted into the vein or artery of the umbilical stump (belly button) shortly after birth CHEST TUBE A small plastic tube placed through the chest wall into the space between the lung and chest wall to remove air or fluid from this space; see PNEUMOTHORAX CHRONOLOGICAL AGE A baby’s age based on their actual birthday (not considering their gestational age/time in utero) CIRCUMCISION Known colloquially as a “circ”, this term refers to the surgical procedure performed to remove the foreskin of the penis; this is usually done just before the baby goes home and is only performed on request CONGENITAL Refers to a condition existing at the time of birth CORRECTED AGE A baby’s age based on their gestation; this value is calculated by adding the time spent inside and outside of the mother’s uterus CPAP This is an abbreviation of   Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, a form of ventilator assistance used to keep an infant’s lungs properly expanded; CPAP does not breathe for the baby, but allows the baby to breathe into a "forward moving wind." CT SCAN (of the head) This is an abbreviation for the imaging method called computerized tomography; this imaging is usually performed in the NICU to identify skull or brain damage, though CT scans can also be done on other parts of the body; the baby must be transported to the hospital radiology department to get their CT scan "CULTURE" This is shorthand for a laboratory test called a blood culture. Here, a collection of blood, spinal fluid, urine, or other specimens identifies the presence and type of germs present in an infant’s blood CYANOSIS Blue color of the skin that occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood. DIFFERENTIAL A test which divides the white blood cell count (from the CBC) into several categories, chiefly: "polys" (short for polymorphonuclear leukocytes), "bands" (immature "polys"), "lymphs" (lymphocytes), "monos" (monocytes), "cos" (eosinophils), "basos" (basophils); the percentages of each cell type may vary in different kinds of infections and can help establish a plan for treating the infection; for example, polys and bands usually will predominate in bacterial infections, while the number of lymphs usually will increase in viral infections ECHOCARDIOGRAM Also known as an “echo”, this term refers to a test used to look at the heart using soundwaves through the chest wall; this is much like an ultrasound done during pregnancy and is neither harmful nor painful to infants EDEMA Puffy and inflamed skin that results from a build-up of intra and extracellular fluid in body tissues and spaces ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE Commonly referred to as an “ET” tube by NICU nurses, this refers to a plastic tube which goes from the baby's nose or mouth past the vocal cords and into the upper trachea (windpipe); see INTUBATION EXCHANGE TRANSFUSION A treatment which removes the baby's blood in small quantities and replaces it with donor blood; this procedure is most frequently used to lower the level of bilirubin in an infant’s blood, but may also be used to raise or lower the number of red blood cells to improve the blood’s clotting ability EXTUBATION The   intentional or unintentional removal of the breathing tube that goes from the nose or mouth into the trachea; see ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE FELLOW (in Neonatology) A trained pediatrician who is receiving additional specialized training in the care of sick newborns (neonatology) GAVAGE FEEDINGS Also known as tube feedings, this practice refers to nutrition that travels through a plastic tube inserted through a baby’s mouth or nose and into the stomach; this is used to nourish extremely premature newborns or babies who are too weak to suck and swallow GENETICS The branch of medicine that deals with heredity and the variation of individuals; these doctors can provide family members with a prognosis for development and function, and assess for risks of recurrence of certain genetic conditions HEAD ULTRASOUND  An imaging technique that uses sound waves to look at a baby’s brain; this painless test can be done at the NICU bedside and is often completed while a baby is sleeping HEART MURMUR A rushing sound made by the blood within the heart, usually heard with a stethoscope  HEELSTICK A quick prick of the heel with a sharp needle to obtain small blood samples for tests; this is the method of blood collection for a blood sugar or capillary blood gas HEMATOCRIT Known casually as a “crit”, this lab test is completed to determine the amount of red blood cells in a patient's blood HIGH-FREQUENCY OSCILLATORY VENTILATOR  Casually referred to as an oscillator, this special ventilator provides breaths at a rate that exceeds the maximum rate of a normal ventilator HYDROCEPHALUS An abnormally large accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord) in the ventricles of the brain HEAD ULTRASOUND (HUS): A painless test that uses sound waves to look at a baby’s brain. This test can be done at the bedside in the NICU.  "HEEL STICK”:  A slang term often used in the NICU meaning, to obtain a blood sample by pricking the baby’s heel. HIGH-FREQUENCY OSCILLATORY VENTILATOR A special ventilator capable of breathing for a baby at rates exceeding those of a normal ventilator. HYPOTENSION Low blood pressure; while there is now standard value used to identify hypotension, this term usually refers to a blood pressure reading that falls below the 5th or 10th percentile for the infant's gestational age, postnatal age, and weight HYPOGLYCEMIA A low amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood; this value will be different for each infant, but can generally refer to any blood glucose of less than 40 mg/dL "I's and O's”  A slang abbreviation often used in the NICU to refer to the amount of fluid a baby takes in compared to how much the baby pees and poops out; this is why NICU nurses document all diaper weights I:E RATIO The ratio of the length of the forced breath provided by a ventilator to the length of the time between two breaths INFILTRATE The inappropriate accumulation of IV fluid in body tissues; this most often occurs when an IV is misplaced or falls out of the vein INSPIRATORY TIME  Casually called “i-time” by NICU nurses, this value refers to the length of a forced breath provided to a baby by a ventilator INTRAVENOUS LINE  Casually called an IV by NICU nurses, this is a small plastic tube or hollow needle placed into one of the baby's veins, used to infuse fluids, medications, and vitamins can be given when a baby cannot take all of their nourishment by feedings INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE (IVH)  A collection of blood in and around the ventricles (hollow portions) of the brain INTUBATION The insertion of a tube into the trachea (windpipe) through the nose or mouth to allow air to reach the lungs; see ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE ISOLETTE Sometimes referred to as an incubator, this is a type of enclosed bed for an infant who is not mature or healthy enough to maintain their body temperature in an open crib JAUNDICE A yellow coloration of the skin and eyes that results from an increased amount of bilirubin in the blood; treatments for jaundice include phototherapy and (rarely) exchange transfusion; see EXCHANGE INFUSION and BILIRUBIN and BILI LIGHTS KANGAROO CARE A cute way to describe   skin-to-skin care where the baby is placed on the bare chest of the mother or father for comfort LUMBAR PUNCTURE   Sometimes called a "spinal tap, this procedure involves a small needle being placed in the small of the back, between the vertebrae (back bones), to obtain spinal fluid for bacterial cultures and other lab tests MECONIUM The first bowel movements that a baby has; these are thick, sticky, and range from dark green to black in color MECONIUM ASPIRATION (Meconium Aspiration Syndrome or MAS)   The inhalation of meconium into the lungs; if a baby passes meconium before delivery, the meconium may be inhaled into the lungs, causing problems with breathing after the baby is born; this condition is called meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) MENINGITIS An infection of the fluid that cushions and surrounds the brain and spinal cord MONITOR A screen that displays the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation of the baby MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) A computerized method of viewing any portion of the body. It uses magnetism rather than x-rays. All metal must be removed from around the baby. The baby must go to another area of the hospital to have an MRI. NASAL CANNULA A clear plastic tube which passes under the nose to provide supplemental oxygen. NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC) An infection of the wall of the intestines, which may spread to the blood; premature babies are particularly vulnerable to this disease; surgery is sometimes necessary to remove damaged intestine, and the baby may need prolonged IV nutrition until he recovers; see also PARENTERAL NUTRITION and SEPSIS NEONATOLOGY The medical specialty that focuses on managing diseases and conditions of newborn infants (neonates); neonatologists are pediatricians who have received several years of additional specialized training NEPHROLOGIST A medical doctor who specializes in disorders of the kidneys NEUROLOGIST A medical doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system NPO A Latin abbreviation for “nothing by mouth”; if the baby is kept NPO, all nutrition will need to be given intravenously OPHTHALMOLOGIST A medical doctor who specializes in managing eye disorders OTOLARYNGOLOGIST A medical doctor who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat PARENTERAL NUTRITION (Total Parenteral Nutrition or TPN) Protein, fats (lipids), sugars, and salts are provided by IV to babies who cannot tolerate complete feedings by bottle or gavage PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA)  A small vessel that allows blood to bypass the lungs; this vessel is open while the baby is in the womb, but normally closes shortly after delivery; if the vessel fails to close on its own, special medication or surgical intervention may be required PEAK INSPIRATORY PRESSURE (PIP)  The highest pressure that is delivered to the baby by the ventilator during a forced breath PEDIATRICIAN A medical doctor who provides care to infants and children PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETER (PICC LINE) A PICC is a line inserted through a vein and then advanced through increasingly larger veins, toward the heart; these are placed when IV therapy, antibiotics, or nutrition (TPN/lipids) are administered for a long period of time PHOTOTHERAPY Light therapy to treat jaundice; bright blue fluorescent lights called bili lights are placed over the baby’s incubator or around the baby as a lighted blanket; see also BILIRUBIN and JAUNDICE. PKU A rare disorder in which one of the amino acids (a building block of protein) cannot be handled normally by the baby, leading to elevated levels in the blood; babies with PKU require a special diet; all babies are routinely tested for PKU before discharge from the hospital; this test is required by law PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM Leakage of air from the normal passageways of the lung into the space surrounding the heart; a pneumomediastinum is usually harmless, but can be associated with a pneumothorax which is often more serious; see PNEUMOTHORAX PNEUMOTHORAX A collapsed lung causes a collection of air to form in the space around the lungs; this buildup of air puts pressure on the lung, so it cannot expand normally when a baby tries to breathe POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE (PEEP) The lowest pressure that is delivered by the ventilator to the baby between forced breaths; see also PEAK INSPIRATORY PRESSURE (PIP) PROGNOSIS What health outcomes are expected for a baby given the nature of their condition PKU A rare disorder in which one of the amino acids (a building block of protein) cannot be handled normally by the baby, leading to elevated levels in the blood. Babies with PKU require a special diet. All babies are routinely tested for PKU, as well as several other disorders, before going home from the nursery. This test is required by law. PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM Leakage of air from the normal passageways of the lung into the space surrounding the heart inside the chest. A pneumomediastinum is usually harmless in itself, but is often associated with a pneumothorax (which can be life-threatening if large). See PNEUMOTHORAX. PNEUMOTHORAX Leakage of air from the normal passageways of the lung into the space surrounding the lung inside the chest wall, causing a partial or complete collapse of the lung. POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE (PEEP) The lowest pressure that is delivered by the ventilator to the baby between forced breaths. See also PEAK INSPIRATORY PRESSURE (PIP). PROGNOSIS What health outcomes are expected for a baby given the nature of their condition RED BLOOD CELLS The cells in the blood which carry oxygen REFLUX A return or backward flow of fluid; gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when feedings or other stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus REGIONAL CENTER A network of state-funded agencies that help to coordinate community services and resources to infants at risk of having a developmental delay; these teams also provide services and coordinate resources for children and adults with specific developmental disabilities RESIDENT A medical doctor who is training to become a pediatrician; a residency program is usually three years long; first year residents are referred to as interns; third year residents are called senior residents RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS) A common breathing problem of premature infants caused by insufficient levels of surfactant in the lung; this results in an excessive stiffness of the baby's lungs; see also SURFACTANT SEIZURE A "short circuiting" of the electrical activity in the brain, which can cause involuntary muscle activity or stiffening SEPSIS A potentially fatal and dangerous condition during which the body is fighting a severe infection that has spread to the bloodstream; see also MENINGITIS and NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS. SEPTIC WORKUP An assortment of tests is performed on an infant who is suspected of having an infection; this may include a chest x-ray and/or abdominal x-ray, as well as blood, urine, and spinal fluid cultures; because infections in babies can progress very rapidly, the baby is frequently started on antibiotics until the results of the cultures are known SUCTIONING The process of removing secretions from the baby’s nose, mouth or lungs by using either a bulb syringe or suction catheter SURFACTANT A substance secreted by special cells within the alveoli (air sacs) of the lung that makes the lung flexible and keeps it from collapsing; surfactant deficiency is the main cause of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS); commercial products are available which can be put into the lungs through the tube in the windpipe; these products are frequently used to treat RDS in a premature baby TACHYCARDIA:  A fast heart rate TACHYPNEA:  A fast breathing rate TRACHEOSTOMY A surgical opening in the trachea, below the larynx (voice box) that allows air to enter the lungs TRANSFUSION Giving donor blood to a baby by IV infusion UMBILICAL CATHETER A small plastic tube in one of the umbilical (belly button) blood vessels (either an artery or a vein). WEAN   To take away gradually; in the NICU, this term is often used to describe the process of removing an infant from a ventilator or incubator Want to Ensure a Strong Start to Your NICU Career? Now that you’re familiar with the NICU lingo, you might be looking for more ways to prepare for your first nursing job. At NICUity , we have all of the educational resources you need to ensure your first shift is a great experience! HEAD OVER TO THE PODCAST! EPISODE 1 & 2 ANSWER MANY NICU 101 QUESTIONS! Another great resource for you BELOW. I was featured on The Morning Rounds and talked all things NICU Nursing. Dynamics, my personal journey, NICU Nurse Tips & Tricks! NICU Nurse Essential Resources American Academy of Pediatrics Academy of Neonatal Nursing Childhood & Adult Immunization CDC Guidelines March of Dimes! Resources for parents & providers Access 1,300+ Drugs with Easy-to-Understand Lactation Risk Categories National Association of Neonatal Nurses National Certification Corporation - NICU National certifications for experienced nurses NICU University & Peds University Vermont Oxford Network - 1,300 hospitals collaborating around the world! Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, S ponsored Capella University MSN student , a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

I’m often asked on Instagram: "How do I prepare for a NICU interview?" The answer might be easier than you think.  The scary part about interviews is that if you’ve never worked in a NICU before, you probably aren’t very familiar with the workflow. This can be daunting and can leave you feeling underprepared and underqualified.  However, hiring managers for these departments know this, and tend not to ask many questions that only experienced NICU nurses would know the answers to. Rather, they want to know why  you want to work in their unit and how you’ve prepared to be successful in the role. They ask situational questions, like how you handled a challenging family member or how you responded during an emergency. They’ll be looking to hire someone who’s a great fit for their team, not just someone who has loads of NICU bedside experience.  Most interviewers have a short list of skills they’ll be looking for in a nurse: Will they jump in and help a patient or coworker? Are they open to learning and growing? Can they stay calm and handle high-pressure situations? Do they have the confidence to speak up and advocate for a patient’s needs? Do they know how to prioritize and delegate? Are they equipped to support and comfort an infant and their family members? Are they interested in leadership roles?  It’s important to remember that nurse interviewers don’t reinvent the wheel each time. They usually have a repository of questions to ask, many of which are similar to questions you’ve been asked in previous interviews. Let’s review a few common questions to give you a sense of what hiring managers will ask.  12 Common Nurse Interview Questions 1. “Tell me a bit about yourself.” Most hiring managers will start with a basic introductory question like this one. You’ll want to share a bit about your personal and professional background, your education, and your career goals. This is your time to share your excitement and enthusiasm for the NICU. 2. “What made you interested in our unit?” When answering this question, you’ll want to highlight any relevant nursing experience that has prepared you for the role. Maybe the unit you're interviewing for has won an award for its healthy work environment or is known for its high quality teamwork. Be sure to reference what you’re looking for in a nursing job and share why you think this particular unit is a good fit for you.  3. “How do you plan to help us meet our organizational goals?” Here, your interview will be checking to see if you’ve done your homework on their facility. Each unit has its own set of unique clinical goals. Prepare for your interview by conducting background research on the institution. You can check out their nursing website, read up on patient feedback and reviews, and talk to friends who work there.   During the interview, you’ll want to show them that you’re familiar with NICU nursing quality indicators like infection rates and pressure injuries and know what it takes to keep patients safe.  4. “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle the situation?” Mistakes happen in nursing everyday. What’s important is that you learn from your mistake and work to minimize patient harm. When answering this question, you’ll want to be honest and open about a mistake you’ve made. Interviewers can smell a fake answer like “I’ve never made a mistake” from a mile away.  5. “What strengths will you bring to our nursing team?” Managers who ask this question want to know what you’ll bring to the table. Share behaviors and skills like time management, strong communication, compassion, and attention to detail. Telling a story about your strengths in action can give more meaning to your experiences and bedside expertise.  6. “How would you handle a patient emergency?”  Answers to this question can reveal whether you have the skills and experience to handle a patient who is decompromising fast. Show that you know how to communicate concerns to the physician and step in when things get hectic. 7. “Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a family member.” Patient and family advocacy  is so important to improving health outcomes. Managers want to make sure they hire nurses that go the extra mile to get patients the care and treatment they need.  8. “Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How did you handle the situation?” Unfortunately, disagreements arise in healthcare. What’s most important is that you can handle yourself professionally and manage the situation in a calm and composed manner. Show that you prioritize patient safety and satisfaction over your own personal pride. Managers won’t want to hire someone that’s petty or argumentative.  9. “How would you communicate with a family member who was unhappy with the team’s care plan?” Sometimes, a parent or family member is unhappy with the quality of care their loved one receives. It’s often our duty as nurses to listen to their complaints and work to resolve their concerns as quickly and painlessly as possible.  10. “How do you plan to de-stress after a challenging shift?” Nursing can be challenging and it’s important to demonstrate you have the skills necessary to bounce back after a tough shift. Can you compartmentalize and complete the tasks that need to be done? Will you have the strength to come back day after day? Answers to this question can showcase your resilience and dedication to patient care.  11. “What are your professional goals for the next 5 years?” Hiring managers want to know if you’re driven and motivated to improve your professional practice. Do you plan to work in their organization long-term or if you are on the fast track to an advanced degree? Interviewers care less about what your goals actually are  and just care that you’re thinking about your future in nursing.  12. “Do you have any questions for us before we finish up?” An interview allows you to ask clarifying questions about the logistics of the position. If you don’t ask any questions, the hiring manager may assume you’re not that interested in the position. Here, we provide a list of example questions you can ask during the final minutes of your interview:  LIST OF QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. What is the size and organizational structure of your unit? How many patients does your unit hold? 2. What is your nurse-to-patient ratio? 3. Can you discuss your take on the hospital's culture and philosophy? 4. What does the transition period look like? Would I be expected to work days or nights?  5. What does the orientation period look like? Will I have a designated preceptor? 6. What are some recommendations for getting involved and growing within your unit? 7. What will be the greatest challenge of the job? 8. What are the greatest strengths of this department? 9. Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position? 10. What are the traits and skills of people most successful within this unit? 11. What do you like best about working in this organization? Download your Interview E-Book today! The Complete Nurse Interview E-Book Here is our fully loaded E-Book. This E-Book is a digital download that provides you with NURSE PRO TIPS to help you land that dream job! This is a fully loaded guide complete with the strategies to help you master your job application and interview process. We cover all of the juicy details to help you perfect the art of interviewing. Topics included: ♡ INTERVIEW PREP ♡ JOB INTERVIEW 101 ♡ THE THINGS THEY DON’T TELL YOU ♡ NURSING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES ♡ BONUS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS! ♡ PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN ♡ RESUME AND COVER LETTER 101 ♡ THINGS YOU CAN DO EARLY ♡ SOCIAL MEDIA CONSIDERATIONS Tips for Every Stage of Your Nursing Journey Whether you're interviewing for a position or are looking to develop your professional practice in your current role, NICUity  has you covered! We’ve got educational resources , guides , and supplies  to get you through every step of the way.

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is probably the last place you or your loved ones pictured themselves after having a baby. A hospital unit full of alarms, tubes, electrodes, ventilators, and beeps is not quite the cozy nursery vibe you anticipated. Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan. This NICU period can be one of the most stressful times of a parent’s life. Each day can be overwhelming, full of happy milestones and moments of grief. From my nursing experience, NICU parents crave one thing during this stressful period — for things to feel “normal” again, or as normal as is possible given their new circumstances. With limited control over their environment, this can be challenging for them to achieve. So, what can you do to help?! While you can’t change their situation, you can help them connect with their new parenting journey. While they may have a fully stocked nursery at home, these items often aren’t able to be used with NICU patients.  With inspiration from my experiences as a new mom and as a NICU nurse, I’ve decided to compile a fun list of things you can gift your favorite NICU baby or family! These items are things that can be used at the bedside and for months and years to come. Let’s dive in. NICU GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE LITTLE FIGHTER 1. Finn the Panda Finn the Panda was developed to help comfort babies during hospital stays, as well as to foster the bond between the baby and their caregivers, even when they have to be apart. It features: Antimicrobial material to help prevent the spread of germs to the baby. A washable heart-shaped scent patch that can be detached and worn then reattached to the bear. A recording device that allows a song or comforting words of up to one minute to be played back once or on repeat.  Contrasting black and white colors that appeal to baby's early vision.  100% cashmere, made to be amazingly soft and cuddly Sealed packaging that reduces microbial exposure during package delivery.  As a mom who spent several months of her son’s first year of life in the hospital, Michelle knew the stress and pressure of hospital parenting. So, she developed Finn the Panda! 1. SCENT: The scent patch can be worn in place of a breast pad, or under any garment, to absorb your smell and can be reattached to the bear to provide your scent in baby’s incubator or crib.  Research has shown that the pheromones a mother exudes after birth are recognizable by her individual baby and can release endorphins in the baby’s brain. 2. SOUND: Your baby has heard the comfort of your voice in the womb and it is the most recognizable sound to their little ears.  Record a lullaby or soft words for your baby and play it back once or on repeat, to help soothe baby to sleep, comfort baby during nurse cares, or just give you a few minutes away. 3. SIGHT: Research has proven that black and white contrasts register powerfully on baby’s retina and send the strongest visual signals to baby’s brain. Stronger signals mean more brain growth and faster visual development. High contrast shapes and patterns provide the baby with something simple and engaging to focus on, and in this focus – or intense concentration – they can allow their minds to rest. High contrast shapes are designed to hold babies’ attention. USE CODE: NURSE TORI (FOR 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!) 2. BEB ORGANIC SKIN CARE PRODUCTS When preemies are first born, their skin is extremely thin and delicate, which makes them prone to skin tears, infections, and rashes. One of the most important ways we can protect newborn skin is by keeping it clean! As a clinical skincare brand made with meticulously sourced natural ingredients, BEB Organic serves families by providing luxuriously healthy products and educating parents and professionals on the powerful benefits of a caring and sensitive touch. Chosen by America’s top hospital NICUs for uncompromising standards, all BEB Organic products are packed with PHYTOCURA™ and crafted of pure, luxuriously healthy ingredients. As one might expect, these soothing formulas have proven to work wonders for skin of all ages in need of extra love. I originally discovered BEB products while working bedside as a NICU nurse. After researching the product, speaking with the CEO, and learning about this infant skin care line, I can genuinely say these are (first hand) amazing products for ALL babies. It makes bath time in the hospital extra special for babies and their parents. I have personally used these products and discovered this line while using it at the bedside in a hospital setting who supplied it to their patients. I can say first hand, these products are wonderful! 3. PREEMIE PACIFIERS Sucking is a form of self soothing, especially for preemie babies who might not be able to drink milk yet! While hospitals offer their own preemie pacifiers, it could be fun to spruce up their pacifier game with a cute one!! My favorite pacifier brand is the Ryan and Rose Cutie PAT - this is a NICU baby product I have recommended for years! RYAN AND ROSE The Cutie Pacifier and Teether (PAT) is a multifunctional pacifier made for two different stages of development: Stage 1 and Stage 2. The Cutie PAT pacifier is made with 100% medical grade silicone. It is safe, non-toxic, and free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, and latex. I have watched this family owned company grow for years and have given many Cutie PATs to my favorite NICU families. The gift is always a big hit — as a new parent, you can never have too many pacifiers! 4. SWADDLE BLANKETS Babies (preemies included) crave boundaries. They seek containment and comfort. One way to provide this is bringing everything "back to core" — this means keeping arms & legs flexed inwards in a relaxed manner just as they were in the womb. Although there’s never a shortage of baby blankets in the hospital setting, it can be fun for parents to add a personal touch for their little one with a fun blanket. If you’re looking to gift your favorite NICU patient a new swaddle blanket, I recommend those made of cotton, muslin and or bamboo cotton blends. These materials breathe well and keep from overheating in their little cocoon. I’ve listed a few of my favorite swaddle blanket brands below, but feel free to choose designs or colors that match the little one’s personality the best! 5. PERFECTLY PREEMIE ONSIES It may be a while until your favorite little fighter can wear (or fit into) a onsie, but once he or she does, the fun can begin! Several companies now offer "preemie" sizes and a fun array of colors, patterns, and styles. However, my favorite brand is “Perfectly Preemie.” This is unique line of preemie clothing to help babies (and their nurses) battle the many lines, tubes, and wires involved in a NICU admission. Perfectly Preemie Clothing Since 1993, Perfectly Preemie has conducted medical research, collaborated with NICU staff, and surveyed with NICU parents to determine just what a preemie needs in regard to their clothing and accessories. Their specially designed onesie line meets all of the requirements for babies in the NICU, while still looking cute! 6. BONDING LOVEY SCENT CLOTHS At birth, a baby is drawn to and is soothed by their mother's scent. Building a close connection through scent is a way to create a wonderful bond while the baby is receiving care in the NICU! Bonding scent cloths allow infants to bond with their caregiver’s smell from the comfort and warmth of their hospital incubator. Parents can place these soft pieces of cloth on their own skin and then leave them with their infant to provide scent comfort while they are away. Whether the parent is an adoptive mother, a single father, two mothers, adoptive guardians - it doesn’t matter. If you want to help build a bond between a baby and their caregiver, scent is the easiest way to do it.  7. WHITE NOISE MACHINE Once a baby is an appropriate age (older than 34 weeks), an infant white noise machine  is a great gift to consider! Why? Soft low tones are soothing to an infant and helps them to rest their minds while promoting a healthy sleep pattern. Sounds that mimic a natural environment can help create a relaxing, soothing environment for NICU babies. Adjustable volume settings allow you mask background noise and the craze of the hospital environment. 8. WUBBANUB Babies, parents, and NICU nurses all love WubbaNubs! Why? These stuffed animal and pacifier combinations help to keep the peace when patients need soothing. They’re easy to grasp, offer great support for the pacifier, and provide soft, gentle comfort to little ones. In addition, parents aren’t always at the bedside to hold, comfort, and soothe their little one. WubbaNubs help us nurses at the bedside to maintain an infant’s comfort, keep their pacifier in place, and promote restful sleep.  9. A MIRROR One of the greatest feelings for NICU babies and their parents is the first SKIN TO SKIN contact, what we often call "Kangaroo Care." Skin-to-skin contact involves keeping babies chest-to-chest & skin-to-skin with a parent. The benefits of this close contact include: warmth, stability of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, increased oxygen saturation), increased time spent in deep sleep, decreased irritability and crying, increased weight gain, increased milk supply for mother, and better coordination for feedings! To help parents get the most out of their bonding moment, NICU nurses often encourage the use of a mirror (while they hold their baby) to allow them to see their loved one’s tiny face in full range. This small simple tool is a very helpful & useful gift to use while performing Kangaroo Care. Some NICUs do provide these, but many NICUs can’t afford to offer each family a mirror. While they don’t cost much more than a few dollars, you can make a huge difference in their bonding experience.   10. WATER WIPES New scientific evidence has shown that limiting scents, perfumes, dyes, or other chemicals on infants skin is essential. Our preemie patient population has extremely sensitive skin and skin irritation & breakdown is one of our biggest priorities. Many NICUs have moved to using "water wipes," or some form of wipe with water for all diaper changes. Several companies offer sensitive water wipes that are perfect for tiny NICU patients! I prefer the Pampers Aqua Pure variety. 11. GLASS BOTTLES With new research coming out about plastics & the long-term effects it has on our health, many providers are starting to recommend using glass milk bottles. As a parent and a NICU nurse, I am a BIG fan of using glass over plastic. Many top brands also offer "slow flow nipples," which helps when feeding babies who are new to drinking milk or for those who may be struggling to swallow with normal flow nipples. Best Glass Milk Bottles: Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottles  Baby Brezza Glass Baby Bottle Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Bottles 12. BOPPY OR "BREAST FRIEND" PILLOW One of the most exciting moments for any new mom is the opportunity to feed her baby for the first time. Nursing pillows  are immensely popular with new moms because they offer comfort & convenience. Figuring out which one to choose can be difficult, especially when many moms are passionate about which one is their favorite. The two most popular varieties are the Boppy pillow and the Breast Friend pillow. Boppy vs. Breast Friend: Key Differences The "Boppy" pillow  looks like travel neck pillows – a C-shaped doughnut. These pillows have so many uses and are well worth the money spent on them. They are most commonly used to prop up a baby while breastfeeding  or bottle feeding, but can also be used to prop up babies during tummy time. You can buy a separate slipcover to allow these pillows to be easily cleaned in the event of a spit up or diaper blowout. Boppy pillows aren’t big enough to go all the way around you, so you’ll need a separate pillow if you want to support your back. Alternatively, the Breast Friend pillow  is a bit different in terms of overall design but is used for the same purposes. Unlike the Boppy, the top side of a Brest Friend pillow is flat, which means your baby stays where you put her without rolling around while trying to feed. The Brest Friend also has two added features that I love – a snap that secures the pillow in place, and a full wrap-around design, giving breast feeding moms much-needed back support.  Whichever support pillow you choose, your gift will surely be appreciated by any new NICU mom! 13. NICU MILESTONE CARDS Welcoming a baby into the world is full of special moments. Although having a baby in the NICU is a difficult time for families, there are many special moments to capture & treasure. Printable milestone cards are designed to help you celebrate all of the successes on your baby's journey. With colorful backgrounds and simple designs, they help to make the challenging journey a little easier. NICU is all about the milestones! Example Milestones Include: - weeks one to six - months one to three - forty weeks corrected - today I am breathing on my own - today I had my first bath - today I was weighed for the first time - I am ventilator free today - today I had my first snuggle with Mom - today I had my first snuggle with Dad - I wore my first outfit today - today I breastfed for the first time - today I had milk for the first time - my first kangaroo cuddle - I had my first pacifier today - today I am wire free - I had my first sleepover - I am all ready for the carseat today - Hooray, I gained weight today - I am going home today 14. Montessori Mobile Just because a baby is receiving care in the NICU does not mean that they don’t need or deserve the brain development and stimulation toys that other babies have. Especially as babies get older and develop from their initial preemie phase, a hanging mobile  can provide the visual distraction and stimulation needed for healthy brain development. These are especially helpful at distracting babies when they require blood draws, dressing changes, or any bedside procedures. I hope you enjoyed this list of Tips and Tricks for your mighty. Now- Go Treat Your Favorite NICU Family! I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite preemie gifts for your mighty NICU baby! Many of these products are offered on Amazon (Nurse Tori NICU Amazon Gifts & Tips)  and have been linked to my Tips from Tori Amazon page. All products included are my own recommendations and do not represent the views of employers.  This blog includes affiliate links — rest assured that all of my professional partnerships are with companies I love, use  myself and recommend to those I care for most! Feel  fr ee to see my full   disclaimer   if you have any questions or concerns, or contact me with any feedback! NICU Essential Resources American Academy of Pediatrics Academy of Neonatal Nursing Childhood & Adult Immunization CDC Guidelines March of Dimes! Resources for parents & providers Access 1,300+ Drugs with Easy-to-Understand Lactation Risk Categories National Association of Neonatal Nurses National Certification Corporation - NICU National certifications for experienced nurses NICU University & Peds University Vermont Oxford Network - 1,300 hospitals collaborating around the world! Tori's Tips on NICU NURSE 101: See Blog Post ​ Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, S ponsored Capella University MSN student , a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com Instagram @nurse.tori_

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Tori Meskin has been a dedicated clinician since 2012, working in acute care and inpatient NICU settings in Southern California. She holds a National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) and has extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is a sponsored MSN student at Capella University and a Brave Beginnings Ambassador. She recently launched NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU professionals with education, bedside tools, and resources. Follow her journey as she navigates the Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC 01 About Me I started working as a Registered Nurse in 2013. I now have over 10 years of neonatal and pediatric critical care experience. Over the years, I’ve learned valuable lessons and formed meaningful connections with coworkers, patients, and their families that will affect the rest of my life! I share many of these insights with you here :) 03 Experience I have served as a specialty NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN serving patients in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. In these positions, I’ve provided direct patient care, leadership, consultation, education and patient care management expertise for the complex neonatal & pediatric patient populations. In each position, I’ve focused on mentoring fellow NICU RNs in my unit and those around the globe. My diversified clinical experiences have helped make me the nurse I am today! 02 Education I graduated from The University of Arizona (beardown) with a dual major in Nursing and Psychology. Most recently in 2024, I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership. 04 Experience I am trained to work in specialized areas, including Small Baby Units, and Surgical NICUs (treating cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, neurosurgical, and congenital anomalies). I’ve also worked as part of a clinical Body Cooling Team, protecting tiny babies and helping them recover after a difficult birth. More about Tori we love the juice 05 NICUity Co-founder In 2024, I launched my own company –NICUity. I created this company with a goal of empowering NICU professionals through comprehensive support, education, and innovation, while fostering confidence and competence for delivering exceptional care to NICU patients and their families. Check out our website , which is chock full of NICU provider tools, education, and resources! 07 Podcast In March 2020, I founded The Cellfie Show , a podcast dedicated to sharing stories from all angles of healthcare. On our show, we interview health professionals, entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, homeopathic practitioners, addiction specialists, therapists & coaches, social media personalities, mental health specialists, patient and family perspectives, and people of interest, learning from their journeys in life and on the job. 06 Social Media I began blogging in 2018 and became an ambassador for Brave Beginnings a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure ventilators and essential neonatal equipment are available to newborns in critical need. I was featured on their 2019 PSA with John Cena to help bring awareness to their mission. 08 Keynote Speaker I began keynote speaking in 2022 and have had the honor of presenting at NANN, the Audrey Harries Foundation of Neonal Nurses, and contributing on panels at NeoHeart. Nurse Blog There are few places to find support, information or insight into the real nursing world. Most blogs out there aren’t able to show a comprehensive picture of what it’s like for us at work and off the job! With Tips From Tori, I wanted to bring you a bit of nursing advice & real life fun as well. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. take me there To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Nurse blog. NICU nurse. Nurse podcast. Best new podcast! Real nurse story. TOP 30 in Medical Podcasts. Tips from Tori & The Cellfie Show Podcast. From her nursing journey, nurse grad school journey, travel nursing, NICU nurse 101, beauty, health & fitness & living a spicy lifestyle. Hey There! I'm Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC Nurse. Blogger. Content Creator. Welcome To Tips From Tori. My zesty blog With an informative & trendy side of the medical field. Welcome Hey friend 👋🏼 I started this blog to share the real side of nurse life—both the wins and the wild moments. Over time, it’s grown into something so much more. From bedside shifts to brand collabs with major names in healthcare, this space is all about keeping it real, helpful, and a little bit fun. Read More Glad you're here My mission? Still simple: to help nurses (new and seasoned) feel confident, empowered, and supported. You’ll find top-tier NICU content, nurse life tips, career resources, beauty + lifestyle inspo, and plenty of behind-the-scenes realness. Welcome to Tips From Tori—we’re so glad you’re here 💉💅🏼 All You Need to Know About NICU Nurse Certification ALL BLOGS 429 What Does a NICU Nurse Do? A Career Guide ALL BLOGS 272 Hot Tips for Nurses Starting in the NICU! EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT 10,107 55 Tips for New Grad Nurses EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT 3,782 How to Land Your Dream Job as a NICU Nurse: 14 Hot Tips EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT 10,899 NICU Resources and CEUs Every Nurse Needs to Know About EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT 10,186 1 2 Nurse Tori x Elliot Young Elliot Young Fine Jewelry is created on the premise of making an impact while doing what they love! I have teamed up with EY a company founded by two women on a mission to make an impact! Together, we created this small collection of timeless,14K Gold pieces that can be worn in any setting. The Hamsa and an Evil Eye, are protective signs and believed to bring its owner happiness, luck, health, peace, and good fortune. And the Beaded Necklace brings strength, wisdom, power, and energy. The Threaders and Hoops are great everyday lightweight earrings that combine style with wearability. They are fine Jewelry pieces and will maintain their shine through shifts, showers, and daily wear. When you use my IMPACT CODE on these two necklaces and two pairs of earrings at checkout: NURSETORI25 you will get 25% off AND Elliot Young will donate 5% to one of my favorite orgs: Brave Beginnings A foundation which helps support NICUs provide essential equipment to hospitals in need. I hope you wear these with good fortune. Sending you heath and happiness! XO Tori SHOP THE COLLECTION PREMIUM NURSE CONTENT EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to CAREER TOOLS & RESOURCES. THE COMPLETE NURSE INTERVIEW GUIDE. NICU NURSE INSIGHTS & MORE. complete with all of my HOT tips & tricks to land your dream job. TAKE ME THERE