Being a NICU nurse is not an easy job because not everyone can handle the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. It requires high skills, dedication, and strength to take care of tiny patients in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Neonatal nursing demands precision, patience, and an unshakable heart. If you are thinking of choosing neonatal nursing as your career, then you are at the right place! In this blog, we will discuss what skills are required to become a successful NICU nurse or neonatal nurse.
Skills needed to be a neonatal nurse (NICU nurse)
Becoming a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse is not an easy job. It requires special skills, precision, a strong heart, and patience to become a successful neonatal nurse or NICU nurse.
Clinical skills:
NICU nurses must have the following clinical skills, as some of the babies need immediate medical attention after birth.
- They should be NRP certified means knowledge to perform neonatal resuscitation.
- They should have the knowledge of using medical equipment such as ventilators, incubators, etc.
- Vitol signs monitoring, IV insertions, CPAP management, etc.
Critical thinking and decision-making power:
Nurses in NICU take care of critically ill babies, and therefore, strong decision-making skills and critical thinking are required. They should be able to do the following:
- Rapid assessment during emergencies.
- Prioritizing care for patients who need immediate attention.
- Adjusting care plans, etc.
Effective communication skills:
Effective communication skills are one of the most important skills that every NICU nurse needs because they are the bridge between the medical team and anxious families. Neonatal nurses should possess the ability to deliver difficult news with care and sensitivity.
- NICU nurses should use clear and non-technical language.
- Clear and precise documentation is crucial.
- Showing empathy and emotional support to the families of tiny patients.
Providing developmental and family-centered care:
NICU nurses are more than just providers; they are teachers, mentors, and supporters. Neonatal nurses play an important role in guiding parents, especially critically ill newborn babies, on how to navigate complex care and bond with their babies.
- Educating parents about the needs of premature babies.
- Supporting breastfeeding, pumping, and educating about kangaroo care (skin-to-skin care).
- Educating parents of babies tells them how each piece of equipment works so they are not overwhelmed by the sight of their fragile baby hooked up to life support or other machines.
- Helping and educating parents on how to provide care for the premature baby, changing diapers, taking temperatures, etc. So, they can take care of their baby with confidence at home.
Technical skills:
NICU nurses or neonatal nurses use a wide range of advanced medical equipment that is especially designed for critically ill neonates. Neonatal nurses should know how to use this equipment, such as ventilators, incubators, dialysis machines, etc. Not only that, but they should also know how to adjust these settings according to the baby’s needs.
Emotional resilience and compassion:
Nurses in NICU face heartbreaking outcomes, and therefore it is important that they are able to provide compassionate and emotional support to the devastated families. Neonatal nurses should have the ability to stay calm under pressure and show emotional support to the families. Emotional resilience and compassion are also among the most important skills that neonatal nurses must have.
- They should know how to provide emotional support to the grieving families.
- Managing NICU stays with empathy.
- Staying calm in a high-pressure situation.
What are the nurses called who work with newborn babies?
Nurses who work with newborn babies are as follows:
- NICU or neonatal nurses: they take care of critically or premature babies in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
- Postpartum nurses: nurses who take care of both mother and baby immediately after birth.
- Nursery nurse: nurses who work in hospital nurseries and perform basic care to newborn and stable babies.
- Labor and delivery nurse: nurses who assist during childbirth.
What are some of the skills that every NICU nurse needs to have?
- Assessment skills
- Critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Family teaching and support.
- Breast feeding and pumping guidance.
- Empathy and compassion.
- Neonatal resuscitation (NRP).
- Emotional resilience.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Palliative care understanding.
- EMR and charting skills.
- Technical skills.
Conclusion
Being a neonatal nurse is more than just providing care for the critically ill or premature babies in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). They are mentors, teachers and emotional supporters to the families of tiny babies. Therefore, specific skills are required to be a successful neonatal nurse. NICU nurses must possess communication skills, critical thinking and decision-making skills, emotional resilience, technical skills, EMR and charting skills and so much more. Taking care of critically ill tiny babies is not an easy job; therefore, NICU nurses must have these skills to be able to take care of these babies and also emotionally support and educate their families. If you are a nurse who is interested in travel nursing, then you are at the right place. Join SkillGigs and look for high-paying jobs. SkillGigs gives you the freedom to choose your own assignment, location, pay, etc. So don’t wait! Join SkillGigs now and get your dream travel nursing contract.
