Survival in the NICU

The pediatric unit ended up being closed yesterday when I arrived (praise the Lord)! I have to admit, I was very happy to learn that there were no sick children! What a blessing for them and for me. When I arrived at the hospital, my instructor sent one of my classmates & me to the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for the shift.

I find myself needing to explain that my fear yesterday was the fear of having to perform skills (such as medication administration via IV or otherwise, injections, tube feeding, etc.) on "fragile little bodies." However, since care in the NICU is so much more specialized, we as students are not allowed to perform skills on these tiny, most of them premature, babies. We are allowed to observe the nurse's job and hold them when they are fussy! Wow, talk about helping with my baby fever. Holding a tiny life in dim lighting in a glider/rocker at 21:00 is such a peaceful feeling. Yes, these babies might have a feeding tube, oxygen, IV, monitors, etc., but they still need love. I was so thankful for the time I was allowed to just sit and look at these precious faces and pray for their future. The nurses were excellent, and most of them have been at this hospital for many, many years! The knowledge and skill they have from experience is amazing.

I am still praying that no children need to be hospitalized today, but I think it's more of a desire to go back to the NICU than it is an overwhelming fear of treating kids. I am so thankful for last night's experience. God is faithful!

The Funny Thing About Kids

Today I will work on the pediatric unit at the local hospital. As much as I love kids, I am really NOT looking forward to this portion of my rotation! As a former babysitter, I am well trained in playing games, coloring & hide-n-seek. As a former substitute preschool teacher, I know how to explain why we shouldn't pick our nose, and why we should wash our hands (especially after said nose-picking) before we eat snack. However, precious little kiddos with IV poles, feeding tubes, and illnesses that keep them in bed sleeping for days instead of running & playing outside, is not my ideal learning experience! I know it is necessary to see & experience every aspect of nursing. I also know that I will say the same prayer walking onto the pediatric unit as I do when I walk into any patient room, "Lord, please allow me to be a light for you, and to help in the healing process of the people I work with today." I am very scared to work with such fragile little bodies, but I ultimately know that my God is bigger than all things, and He knows exactly how to use me. I know that He will give me the wisdom, knowledge, courage & strength to succeed today, because He is indeed the One that called me to become an RN! Like Nate said, "Maybe after your pediatric rotation you'll realize that's where God wants you!" Thanks for your constant encouragement & optimism, honey!