The holidays really are the most wonderful time of year. It’s a time for love, laughter, togetherness, and reminiscence of what we are most thankful for. I am thankful I get to add the NICU to my list this year and many aspects that go along with it. Have you thought recently about what makes your life better in the NICU?
Something that has really stood out as I have been transitioning to a neonatal nurse, are the many nurses that I can look to as mentors. As a student nurse I had heard the phrase “nurses eat their young” and it really intimidated me. You see, I want that knowledge and skill they have and I look up to those experienced nurses.
Thankfully, this has not been my experience at all! I have been so welcomed by my UNC Newborn Critical Care Center family and am blessed by the amount of knowledge that I learn from them everyday. I am so thankful for my preceptors and the fact that they put all their hard work into molding me and the fellow new graduates on my unit into the best NICU nurses we can be. Even nurses that aren’t my preceptor take the time to help me if I need it and teach me their “tricks of the trade.” This kind of warmness fosters a great environment for learning that will ultimately benefit our tiny patients and their families. Kudos to those of you who are leading us to confidence and competence. You truly don’t know how thankful we are for mentors like you.
If you find yourself with a new nurse on your unit, I challenge you to take her or him under your wing and teach them everything you know and love about the NICU. You will make a difference in a young nurse’s life and they will be eternally grateful for your kindness and knowledge. I know I am.
-Kristina Johnson
Something that has really stood out as I have been transitioning to a neonatal nurse, are the many nurses that I can look to as mentors. As a student nurse I had heard the phrase “nurses eat their young” and it really intimidated me. You see, I want that knowledge and skill they have and I look up to those experienced nurses.
Thankfully, this has not been my experience at all! I have been so welcomed by my UNC Newborn Critical Care Center family and am blessed by the amount of knowledge that I learn from them everyday. I am so thankful for my preceptors and the fact that they put all their hard work into molding me and the fellow new graduates on my unit into the best NICU nurses we can be. Even nurses that aren’t my preceptor take the time to help me if I need it and teach me their “tricks of the trade.” This kind of warmness fosters a great environment for learning that will ultimately benefit our tiny patients and their families. Kudos to those of you who are leading us to confidence and competence. You truly don’t know how thankful we are for mentors like you.
If you find yourself with a new nurse on your unit, I challenge you to take her or him under your wing and teach them everything you know and love about the NICU. You will make a difference in a young nurse’s life and they will be eternally grateful for your kindness and knowledge. I know I am.
-Kristina Johnson