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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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THE Cellfie Show A Weekly Dose of Sweet & Salty Two nurses talking "off the clock," about healthcare, self care, and everything in between. Together, Tori Meskin & Sam Manassero bring you the unedited and unfiltered truth of working in the medical field. Their unmatched chemistry and sassy banter makes the show as entertaining as it is informative. With over 17 years of combined nursing experience, these two share hot tips and explore taboo topics, helping listeners witness the aspects of the medical world that are rarely discussed. Tori and Sam interview healthcare providers, innovators, brands, and businesses to help listeners get the raw and honest truth! These are podcast episodes you won’t want to miss ! THE HOSTS Meet The Cellfie Show co-hosts, Tori + Sam. They started off as co-workers in the NICU and quickly became close friends. They bonded over working night shifts and the fact that their fathers are both Southern CA farmers. They have unmatched chemistry, bringing you their sassy banter and 17 years of collective nursing experience. EPISODES TORI MESKIN MSN RNC-NIC Co-Host My name is Tori Meskin (known on instagram as @nurse.tori_)! I graduated from the university of Arizona in 2012 (#beardown), where I obtained my BSN. I then landed my first job as a new grad in a Southern California Level IV NICU. Since that first job, I’ve been a NICU nurse, travel nurse, and pediatric critical care float pool nurse, working in a variety of NICUs and pediatric units. I am currently working on my MSN in Leadership and enjoy sharing my grad school journey with you all. My passion as a content creator for my Blog "Tips From Tori'' is what inspired me to start "The Cellfie Show" Podcast in 2020. This has been an amazing experience and being a podcaster has become one of my biggest passions. I'm excited for the growth of "The Cellfie Show" and can’t wait for more laughs with my best friends and co-host! We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy developing these episodes for you! SAM MANASSERO MSN RNC-NIC, C-NPT Co-Host Hi! I’m Samantha Manassero or better known on instagram as @heysamanthaa. I graduated with my BSN in 2011 and started my career in a new graduate RN Residency program at a Level IV NICU. I completed my MSN in Leadership in 2016 and began teaching nursing school at local Universities. After 7 years in the NICU I became an Emergency Flight/Transport nurse, an absolute dream job! I spend my free time training for powerlifting competitions, being the best dog & plant mom, and sharing my life through my Instagram. I am an advocate for eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and am excited to use the podcasting platform to discuss topics that empower and uplift each other. Joining the Cellfie Show as Co-Host has been an amazing opportunity and I am excited for future growth and continued success! THE CELLFIE SHOW TOPICS HOT Takes & TABOO Topics. Providers & Innovators. Specialties & People of Interest. Relationships. Body Image. Burnout. Death & Grief. Mental Health. Healthcare Policy. Modern Day Healthcare Insights. REviews 800,OOO+ Downloads 100 + shows. 500+ 5 star Reviews Guests Healthcare Providers. Entrepreneurs. Nurses. Doctors. Surgeons. Specialists. Brands. Innovative Businesses. Therapists. Advocates.

My Professional Life as A Nurse ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Welcome to the most special corner of my website. For over 10+ years now I have been working bedside in the secret gem of a unit called the "Neonatal Intensive Care Unit." (NICU). After 4 years of collecting memories, experiences, & developing my career, I finally mustered up the courage to start this blog. scroll so you want to become a nicu nurse Becoming a nurse can be stressful — you’ll get different suggestions and opinions from professors, mentors, friends, and family members. All who believe that their way is the only way to success. The truth is that there isn’t one “best” way to get into NICU nursing. We all take different paths that best suit our personal needs, but like other parts of life, there are so many ways to get to a position where we feel fulfilled and successful. Here, I answer an array of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a NICU nurse and outline a few of the most common journeys coworkers and friends have taken to get to where they are in their career today. I outline some of the challenges you may face and provide tips I’ve learned along the way to help you become the strongest and happiest nurse you can be. scroll How do I Become A NICU Nurse? This is by far my most asked question. And a very loaded question at that! There are so many ways to become a NICU nurse and I have so many TIPS to offer you. Topics including: How to become a NICU Nurse Interview & Portfolio Tips & Tricks Resources/Websites for hopeful & current NICU Nurses What is it REALLY like to be a NICU nurse? I have created YOU Exclusive NICU Nurse Content & Resources. All of my best modern-day nurse insight & experiences, a collection of Level IV NICU education, curated blogs, with100+ hours of diligent research, podcast interviews, and more. scroll Nurse BloG Your Exclusive Nurse Tori Content I am stoked to bring you this content! These are my PREMIUM posts curated to help you in your Nurse journey! I have compiled all of my BEST content here for you!! TAKE ME THERE ♡ I WANT TO BE A NICU NURSE, BUT I'M NOT SURE WHERE TO START! After over 10 years of working bedside, I realized there were few places to go to really understand the nuances of the NICU nurse world. Most sites lack personal perspective and only really scratch the surface. This is a BIG piece of why I started my blog and have focused on curating this space just for you. Here are the BASICS for becoming a NICU nurse: ATTEND NURSING SCHOOL (ADN or BSN programs — BSN is preferred for most NICU RN new grad positions) PASS NCLEX EXAM (nursing boards) APPLY FOR NICU NURSE JOBS (these can include new graduate positions, fellowships, or general RN positions) ♡ WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO WORK AS A NICU NURSE? To work bedside (as a NICU nurse) you need your Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). Bachelors degrees (BSNs) are becoming preferred for most positions. This is the same degree that’s required for all other RN positions. While additional specialty certification isn’t always necessary to get a NICU job, it does make you more marketable and versatile — and sometimes comes with an extra pay differential. After getting a certain number of clinical hours in your NICU specialty as a bedside RN, you can sit for your RNC or CCRN certification. This involves sitting down and taking an online examination, much like the NCLEX. You can decide which certification is best for you and your facility by asking unit leadership or experienced coworkers about which certification they hold. The most common NICU certification is RNC-NIC (this is the certification I obtained). ♡ CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE? I took my RNC-NIC after 3 years of working as a bedside nurse. If you know me, you understand how much I worried throughout the certification experience. I’m a horrible student and test taker, and feared I wouldn’t pass the examination after hours of studying. I made it through, however, and I’m so glad I took the time and effort required to get it done! You can find out more about the RNC-NIC Certification via the National Certification Corporation (NCC) here, or in the exclusive nurse content included in my blog! ♡ DID YOU GET A NICU JOB AS A NEW GRAD? DID YOU HAVE ANY PRIOR EXPERIENCE? YES, I did! I was hired as a NICU New Grad Nurse and NO, I did not have prior NICU nursing experience. However, I interviewed for several different Nurse Residency Programs all over California & Arizona. It took me 8+ months and multiple interviews to land my first job out of nursing school. This is why I am so passionate about helping you all through the interview process. We don’t really learn interview skills in nursing school, despite them being a key factor in getting a job offer. If you are in the process of interviewing or want to know what to expect and how to prepare, I highly recommend our E-book and Podcast episode to help you in your process! SHOP MY NEW GRAD NURSE E-BOOK & RESOURCES! THINK LIKE AN ATHLETE! INTERVIEW PREP PODCAST EPISODE ♡ DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW GRAD NURSE POINTERS? Too many to count! I have compiled 10+ years of NICU nurse experience, crowd sourced from NICU colleagues, and combined it all here for you in this blog. Starting a new job can be challenging, and our very unique patient population can make the whole experience more nervewracking! Whether you’ve just landed your dream job in the NICU, are thinking about applying to nursing school, are studying for the NCLEX, or are a new grad considering where to apply - here’s some hot tips for you if you’re considering starting out your career in the NICU! ♡ WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAMS? Any time someone is PAYING you to learn, I say DO IT! Nurse residencies, sometimes called “New Grad Programs”, are paid programs created to help nursing students transition to the professional nursing world. These often include a year of paid instructional time, either in a classroom or clinical setting, to help new clinicians find success and happiness in their new roles. Each facility or organizaiton structures their nurse residency program in a different way, and some are more competetive to get into than others. Research shows that nurses who start out in a residency program have higher retention and job satisfaciton rates. I personally loved my program, made great friends, and felt confident and competent when providing clinical care. I highly recommend starting in a nurse residency! ♡ IS THE NICU A GOOD UNIT TO START IN AS A NEW GRAD, OR SHOULD I GET MORE GENERAL EXPERIENCE BEFORE WORKING WITH INFANTS? Everyone will give you a different answer to this question, so it can be tough to know who to believe! In my experience, the NICU is a great place to start! I began my nursing career in a NICU nurse residency program and have never felt like I needed any other experience to be happy and successful. However, I know plenty of amazing NICU nurses who started elsewhere and transitioned from other units like adult ICUs, L&D, postpartum units, PACU, or OR. In fact, when I was applying for jobs, I truly thought I wanted to be a CVICU/CTICU Cardiothoracic Pediatric Nurse. That was my passion and I felt so drawn to that population and their families! However, due to application process & job strategy, I opted to apply to NICU! At the time, the NICU was hiring more new grads and I thought I had a better chance of landing one of those jobs. I did get the job, and it was then that I discovered my love for preemies. Not only that, but I also have the opportunity to work with cardiothoracic patients within my level IV NICU! I’ve gotten the best of both worlds. ♡ SHOULD I WORK IN MED SURG FIRST BEFORE APPLYING TO NICU? NO. You no not NEED to work med surg first. Many nursing students hear this type of guidance from professors and clinical instructors. In my opinion, however, you do NOT need to work in med surg prior to getting a job in your desired specialty. This is a relatively old school train of thought. My belief is that if you want to start in a specialized area, do it! With this having been said, it can be a bit more challenging to get a job in the NICU if you don’t have any previous nursing experience. It took me 8+ months and multiple interviews to land my first job, and at times I was frustrated and doubtful that things would work out how I wanted them to. If you find yourself having a challenging time getting a job offer, I have two pieces of advice: A FEW TIPS: 1. Embrace YOUR journey! Everyone's path is different — who knows where your personal nurse journey will lead you. 2. If you work for a while & find yourself miserable, take time to spruce up your resume & portfolio; research Nurse Transition programs or Fellowships & make some changes to your professional life. It’s never too late to change your mind. 3. You may have to move cities or consider a life change but the career you want is achievable. Be patient :) ♡ I WORK IN ANOTHER UNIT, HOW DO I START THE PROCESS OF TRANSITIONING TO THE NICU? Every facility and unit has different processes for hiring RNs looking to transition to the NICU. The best thing you can do for yourself is to immerse yourself in the NICU world as much as you can prior to applying for the job. Reach out to the NICU unit manager and ask them to shadow or volunteer on the unit for a day to see how the team works. This shows them that you’re seriously interested in the opportunity to work there. Becoming NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) and PALS (pediatric advanced life support) certified can help your resume stand out and show your dedication to becoming a safe NICU nurse. Enrolling in a NICU-specific educational course can also prepare you for the transition and can refamiliarize you with infant-specific care guidelines you might not remember from nursing school. ♡ DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NURSES TRANSITIONING FROM THE ADULT WORLD TO NICU? First things first: prepare to feel like a new grad again. It’s totally okay to feel like you’re starting all over — NICU is truly its own world. Vital signs, medications, care plans, priorities, emotions, treatments, and diagnoses are all so different. I have been a NICU nurse for over 10 years and STILL feel like I’m learning new things every shift. That’s why I LOVE our patient population. A few key NICU-specific things to remember: Heart Rate: 100-200 (anything below 60 makes you break out in sweats) Respirations: 10-100 (apnea is normal in preemies and is expected) FiO2 Sats: 85-100 (but sats of 50s are ok in some situations, as long as you have a heart rate!!) Temp: 36.5-37.5 C (anything outside of these are a big NO NO and require immediate intervention) NPASS: Pain Score 0-4 IV Med Volumes: we usually measure these per 0.01 ml (YES- you read that correctly. Every 0.01 mL flush behind the med is also technically a bolus: we take our decimal points seriously here when doing med calcs!!) Care Plan Considerations: these are all based on gestsational age & weight Skin to Skin: this is an essential part of your plan of care Caffeine is your best friend (in coffee form for yourself and medication form for your patients) Poop is something you will celebrate (trust me, this is easier in the NICU than most other units LOL) Just know you are in the right place and you’ve got plenty of support to help you in your journey! xo ♡ IF I TRANSITION TO NICU, WILL I LOOSE ALL MY NURSING SKILLS I LEARNED IN MY PREVIOUS JOB? GREAT question. Frankly: yes. The skills you need for working in the NICU are so specific and unique that most of the skills you learned in your other unit are no longer relevant. However, some of the most important skills you need to be a good nurse transcend all specialties and unit types: Compassion and empathy towards patients and families Medication calculation Efficient and timely charting Prioritization, delegation, and communication Staying calm and collected in stressful and critical situations Every unit, clinic, hospital, community setting you go into will be unique in its own way. There is no way to keep up with every skill you were introduced to in nursing school or your previous units. However, the beauty of nursing is you can always try something else! I have worked as a travel nurse & pediatric critical care float nurse (CVICU, PICU, NICU, & Oncology)! It’s exciting to relearn about patient populations and update your skills! If you decide you want to move on & try something new you can! Just because you "lost" your skill doesn't mean you can't relearn it. Nursing is like riding a bike; you just get back on and try it again — it’ll all come back so much quicker than you think! GET ALL THE DEETS HERE: THE CELLFIE SHOW - LIFE OF A NICU NURSE ♡ DO YOU HAVE ANY NICU NURSE INTERVIEW TIPS & TRICKS? Yes I do! TOO MANY TO COUNT! After working for over 10 years in the nursing field and spending an incredible amount of time applying for jobs (new grad positions, travel nurse positions, per diem & staff nurse jobs, you name it) I have loads of experience with the nurse interview process. Filling out the online applications can be overwhelming, but landing that interview is so exhilarating and all of my jobs have been worth every ounce of anxiety and fear! Here are some of my top “Nurse Interview Tips and Tricks” I have learned along the way. Head over to my blog to check out all of our pearls of wisdom, resources, Nurse Report sheets, SBAR printables, interview prep tips, resume writing, tips & tricks as well. ♡ WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A NICU NURSE? I love so many things about being a NICU nurse. I have a true passion for the neonatal patient population & helping families through some of the toughest times of their lives. Some babies have no parental presence at their bedside, and being their advocate and caregiver as they grow bigger and stronger is such a powerful experience. From the adrenaline rushes, emergency procedures, detailed medication calculations, and unpredictable diagnises, I love being on my toes with these babies. Pre-op prep, surgical care, cardiac anomolies, neuro protection, GI/GU diagnoses; everything is so important when caring for such a complex patient population. I love expanding my knowledge by attending classes and conferences, earning new certifications, and challenging myself at the beside by taking on new leadership roles. I also love the flexibility that comes with working in the NICU. I have worked full time nights, part-time, per diem, travel nurse contracts, and even worked as a pediatric float nurse for a year (NICU, PICU, CVICU, oncology, etc). Being a nurse offers a variety of different opportunities, schedules, specialties, and educational growth — it’s a career unlike any other. My love for the NICU doesn’t stop at the bedside. After much time learning, soul searching, and networking, I decided to start a podcast! I realized I had this huge network of providers, innovators, and people of interest to bring to you! In addition, I also value education & am working to advance my degree. I decided to take a big leap and chose the MSN route. I’m currently an MSN Capella University sponsored student. This is the beauty of nursing; there are so many opportunities out there! xo ♡ WHAT KINDS OF DIAGNOSIS DO YOU SEE IN THE NICU? There are many reasons why a baby would end up in a NICU. The reason could be as simple as dehydration from breastfeeding difficulties and could be as complex as a life threatening diagnosis or congenital disease. The type and complexity of the diagnoses you may see depends on the level of NICU you work at. Acuity levels range from I-IV, with level IV facilities providing the most comprehensive and complex care. Diagnosis Include: Prematurity (babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) Early term infants (babies born between 37-39 weeks of pregnancy) Low birth weight (babies that weigh less than 5.5 pounds) Micro-preemies, Sepsis (serious infections) Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Heart Defects Congenital anomalies Respiratory failure Birth defects Trauma Seizures Gastroschisis Hypoglycemia Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) Jaundice Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Multiples (Twins, Triplets) Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS, drug addicted mothers) Unknown pregnancies Precipitous birth Placental Abruption, etc. Learn more here....NICU 101 ♡ WITH THE STRESSES OF NICU NURSING, HOW DO YOU FIND WORK-LIFE BALANCE & PRIORITIZE YOUR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH? Working as a nurse — or in any healthcare position for that matter — is one of the most rewarding and taxing jobs out there. We are in the business of curing and healing people, and it can be draining. Patients coming to us at their best & worst is our everyday job. We work with life & death, tending to those new to the world and those on life support. Every day, we are witness to the happiest & saddest of the human experiences. To be frank, it is a lot, both mentally & physically. I do find ways to grow as a nurse. For example; I participate in committees, attend conferences, take classes, precept, and take on projects. However, I have also learned to set boundaries and tell managers and coworkers "No”. No to overtime, no to working extra weekend shifts, no to writing research papers when I already feel bogged down. It’s taken me my entire career to learn this, and trust me: I’m still practicing! I went through a heavy "burnout" period early on in my bedside career. 3 years into NICU I was very "burned out," and I decided to make a change; this is when I took on my first travel assignment. That helped me rekindle my love for bedside and reminded me why I love my job. Now, I prioritize balance. That is my biggest pearl of wisdom. I juggle bedside care, studying to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, instagramming, blogging, developing my new business, spending time with my husband, exercising, riding horses, and relaxing at the beach. ♡ I AM 35+, DO YOU THINK IT'S TOO LATE TO PURSUE NURSING? NO! I know plenty of nurses who made "nursing" their second or third career. It takes 2-4 years to get through nursing school, with pre-rec time included. If you become a nurse at 40+, you still have 25+ years of work potential! I personally think some of the best nurses come into the industry with seasoned life experience. Life, family, personal ups & downs: that is what will make you relatable and an empathetic nurse. CHECK OUT MY BLOG POST ON "NICU NURSE 101" CHECK OUT MY PODCAST FULL OF NICU NURSE HOT TOPICS!!! Mommy Labor Nurse EP132: NICU Tips from NICU Nurse Tori Click here to tune in! Listen Here Happy Birthway Podcast Peak into the NICU Click here to tune in! Listen Here Juna Women Podcast Life in the NICU Click here to tune in! Listen Here The WoMed Podcast Navigating the NICU Click here to tune in! Listen Here 12 Example Nurse Interview Questions 6 Post not marked as liked Common NICU Terms A-Z 3,518 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 5 Reasons to Become a Nurse In Tucson 94 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 What Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Do? All You Need to Know 97 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 All You Need to Know About NICU Nurse Certification 203 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 What Does a NICU Nurse Do? A Career Guide 209 4 likes. Post not marked as liked 4 Hot Tips for Nurses Starting in the NICU! 9,460 18 likes. Post not marked as liked 18 55 Tips for New Grad Nurses 3,663 19 likes. Post not marked as liked 19 How to Land Your Dream Job as a NICU Nurse: 14 Hot Tips 10,783 23 likes. Post not marked as liked 23 NICU Resources and CEUs Every Nurse Needs to Know About 9,864 28 likes. Post not marked as liked 28 12 NURSE INTERVIEW TIPS & TRICKS! 7,434 26 likes. Post not marked as liked 26 NICU Nurse 101: What Do NICU Nurse Shifts Look Like? 7,714 23 likes. Post not marked as liked 23 NICU Nurse Continuing Education 692 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 Baby Basics Blog 267 10 likes. Post not marked as liked 10 NICU Research Ideas & Topics to Consider 9,635 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 Best NICU Nurse Apps!! 1,286 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 NICU HOLY GRAIL OF PODCAST EPISODES 1,197 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A NICU Nurse 3,245 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 1 2 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 received her MSN from Capella University and is 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 NICU world, married life, and new motherhood, all while juggling work, school, and content creation. Discover her top-notch tips and tricks at www.tipsfromtori.com or contact her at abbysocialmgmt@gmail.com .