u/creaturefeature2012

I’ve accepted a new grad offer for the NICU starting in August and I’m so thrilled and excited, but also nervous! I had this perfect plan in my mind of starting in postpartum and getting comfortable with stable neonates and then advancing to NICU level care over time. We of course do not spend almost any time learning about this area of nursing in school, so I’m just feeling very anxious.

I know I’ll be getting education and training that is specific to this unit, but I have all of this pent up energy and a whole summer break with nothing to do (well, ok, besides studying for my NCLEX). What, if anything, would folks with NICU experience recommend I study or get familiar with now? I have completed STABLE so I’ve learned some basics about blood sugars, temperature maintenance, airway management, BP, and lab work. Should I be memorizing neonatal vital ranges? Brushing up on med math? Learning about specific disease processes or early warning signs?

I’d so appreciate any tips or recommendations! :)

This morning I interviewed for my dream position in the NICU, and I have been obsessing and worrying so much ever since. I feel like I really fumbled it- I said "um" way too much, rambled away from the point in certain questions, I'm not sure my answers were really relevant or strong enough for the questions being asked, and I'm really afraid I may have put my foot in my mouth a couple of times.

For example, during the classic "describe a conflict you had with someone at work questions", I mentioned that the person in question and I get along fairly well now, several years later, "even though they don't get along with a lot of people". I feel like that was a very negative statement, throwing them under the bus a bit- it just came out so badly! I know it doesn't look good to talk negatively about others. I meant to express that I found a way to communicate and be understanding with them, not taking things personally or holding a grudge, and I feel that it helped me to gain their respect going forward. I'm worried there were several moments like that where I said awkward or rude things like that.

I've had other interviews for the same residency program (different positions) and they asked the same questions- they did not ask one of those questions (it was "how do you like to receive and/or give feedback when necessary") today. To be fair, we were getting to about 30 minutes in and I know they scheduled interviews every 30 minutes because they sent me a list of time slots to choose from. But I can't help but feel that they either cut it short because they had decided I was a no, or that the fact they didn't get to that question shows I was taking too long with my answers.

Anyways, I am really just rambling at this point- and I know that nobody can really say anything besides that I can only wait and see what happens. But it helps to get this off my chest- and I'd love to hear from anyone with similar experiences or relevant advice. Has anyone ever felt like a new grad interview went poorly, but still received good news? Or had a bad interview, and been able to make improvements in future interviews that you might be able to share with me? I'd just love to hear from other new grads or current nurses who can relate or offer any tips or anything!

I have zero chill and I have been thinking about my application non-stop, everyday. I applied April 8th, and they closed the application on Monday. Does anyone with experience have any idea how long this process usually takes? How long should I give it before I accept that it’s probably not happening? Anyone else here who has applied and heard anything back? And would you suggest calling them to inquire about my application at some point?

I know there are other options if it doesn’t work out, but right now I’ve really got my heart set on this program. Please excuse my neuroticism- I try to keep it down but it’s just who I am. Thanks for any info y’all are willing to share.

Editing to specify that I applied for the residency at Riverbend in Springfield. I should have included that. 😅