I think I may know what I want to be when I grow up!

TripMomma · September 2009

After 6 weeks on hospital bedrest and 36 days of babies in the NICU. I have been thinking about becoming either a L&D or NICU nurse...once my kids are in full time school. I am about to be 31 so I will be about 37 when I can start school but hopefully that's not too old.

Anyone else inspired by their experiences to become a nurse?

TriciaJoy · September 2009

good for you! I've considered it, but I suck so bad at science classes that I'm not sure I could pull off all the schooling.

I'd never be able to work in a NICU, though. I get too attached too easily.

borc0080 · September 2009

Nursing would definitely be of interest to me if my current career (music therapy) doesn't work out for some reason. My NICU experience has made me very interested in going for a specialized training that's offered in NICU music therapy and seeing if the NICU we were in would be interested in offering that service.

kamcfarlane · September 2009

i'm the opposite - i am 100% positive now that i should not be a doctor/nurse. there's no way i could handle it and i'm in constant awe of those that can! congrats on your decision! you rock in my book! Smile

TripMomma · September 2009

Our NICU had music people come weekly, you could even call them any time and they would try to get someone there...free of charge. My babies had a harpist play for them a few times...I thought it was wonderful. One time, during the first couple days of their life, they took all the CPAP stuff off for a couple of min. and I saw Hayden's face...her eyes looked scared like she didn't know what was going on. I started crying (like I am right now just thinking back on it) her heartbeat started to get wacky too. Then the lady with the harp walked in and asked if we would like her to play for the babies. It calmed Hayden, and me, down and was one of the sweetest memories I have of our NICU time. Good luck to you!

lemen99 · September 2009

Yes! I mean, I haven't seriously considered it...but I wish I had what it takes and that's what I was called to do. I think it's an amazing profession and knew nothing about it when I started school. That being said, I don't think/know if I could handle it emotionally - and I suck at memorization. :-)

Mrs. Destructo · September 2009

I have also seriously considered it. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering, so the science/technical part of it would be a breeze for me. But I'm not sure my heart is strong enough to work in a NICU. I don't think I could deal with the losses. I fall apart when I read about preemie loss on the internet - there is just no way I could handle it in real life.

lemen99 · September 2009

Mrs. Destructo:
I have also seriously considered it. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering, so the science/technical part of it would be a breeze for me. But I'm not sure my heart is strong enough to work in a NICU. I don't think I could deal with the losses. I fall apart when I read about preemie loss on the internet - there is just no way I could handle it in real life.

I'm an ME!

Meg1031 · September 2009

I am a nurse and have wanted to work in a NICU or L&D/antepartum unit- but am waiting for the right job to open up to apply for. I am currently working towards my advance degree- and although I haven't decided- Neonatal nurse Practitioner is of interest to me.

so- we'll see where my life takes me.

Mommy2Gav · September 2009

Yes!!! I finished my BA in Sociology in May and instead of going to Grad school I started taking pre-reqs to apply to nursing school! I recently took the TEAS-RN test and will apply by the end of the month. Our NICU was such an inspiration and I really feel like that is where I need to be.

mommamorris · September 2009

i thought about it too!

wren actually had 4 nurses that were previously nicu mommies.

franciscaz · September 2009

kamcfarlane:
i'm the opposite - i am 100% positive now that i should not be a doctor/nurse. there's no way i could handle it and i'm in constant awe of those that can! congrats on your decision! you rock in my book!

LOL! I was thinking the same thing. I should stick to marketing and let the ones who are less sensitive and more bookish handle the care. What a great decision, you go girl!

cjb62803 · September 2009

No, that is not too old! If your heart is in it, go for it! I'm a nurse, but I can tell you, after this roller coaster ride, I am definitely inspired to change fields into NICU.

sweetpea18 · September 2009

I'm an OT and have considered switching to peds. I'm not sure if I could handle it though. Right now, I work in geriatrics. You aren't surprised when your patients die because they're old and they've lived a long life. I just don't know if I could handle the loss of a baby.

As far as 37 being too old-absolutely not! I had a classmate that was in her late 40s. And I once had a patient that was a nurse. She didn't go to nursing school until she was in her 60s. Her husband ended up with dementia and wouldn't let anyone else care for him, so she became a nurse so she could do all of his cares. She worked until she was almost 80!

lstaylor73 · September 2009

I could not be that involved in L&D and/or the NICU as much as I wish I had the ability and fortitude to do it. I'd just be a blubbering mess all the time. But I have considered changing from human resources to pediatric physical therapy. Not sure though, still a lot to happen first, like get the boys in school.

Waiting4baby08 · September 2009

I used to want to be a L&D nurse because I thought I would get to see babies being born every day and what could be better than that?! Then when I lost my son to stillbirth, I realized that I could never handle what those nurses did. They were amazing to me and I will never forget them. It takes a special person, so I think if you are really motivated to do so...go for it!

Want a personalized experience?

I think I may know what I want to be when I grow up!

Re: I think I may know what I want to be when I grow up!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards