Most people, in their lifetime, do not come across Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and the nurses that work in them. However, for 10 to 15 percent of babies born in the United States each year (Knipsel), NICU nurses and the hard work they do are crucial to save these babies in desperate need of help. NICU nurses are highly underappreciated and deserve respect and appreciation for the work they do. When babies are born and are either premature or have a health condition that needs to be treated, they are sent to the NICU. Some of the different health conditions that are seen and attended to are anemia, breathing problems, heart issues, parental drug use during pregnancy, prematurity, Hydrocephalus (a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around …show more content…
Whether it is by checking up on another nurse’s patient while they are slammed with another or helping do labs, we are always trying to help. If one nurse is struggling, the entire NICU will struggle as well,” Nurse Romero said, while leaning back in her chair and taking a bite of her sandwich, making sure not to lose a minute of her very short, but well-deserved lunch break.
Nurse Romero, still addressing my question, noted that what also helps the nurses really succeed is if the whole NICU has a good morale throughout the shift. With the good morale, she can thoroughly enjoy her job. Not only is the environment a fantastic work environment, but Nurse Romero explained that she enjoys her job because it is rewarding to help improve the babies’ health, see them grow into flourishing babies, and watch as parents, who were once broken hearted and worried get better and truly bound with their children.
Finally, I could address the real controversy at hand. I explained to Nurse Romero, that as a nursing major, whenever I told anyone about my interest in becoming a NICU nurse, I have only received negative comments about my possible profession. “Why do you think people have such a negative view on the NICU and the professions that align with it?” I asked