On the heels of the post about the happiness study, I thought I'd comment on a few things that make me happy, specifically in relation to the work I do in the neonatal intensive care unit.
- Babies who monkey around. There's something so hilariously sweet about a baby who can reach up and white knuckle the edge of the isolette as you're trying to pull him out for a weight or a bath.
- Extubations. Is there any better feeling than when a baby no longer needs the assistance of a ventilator to breathe? Even better: extubations where you get to skip the nursing torture device known as nasal CPAP and go straight to a nasal cannula.
- Discharge day. Even if it's a really chronic, sick kid and even if you're a little uncertain (okay, scared out of your mind) about the family situation, on some level it feels like a huge victory to get the child beyond the walls of the NICU. That's especially true for the kiddos whose "day of life" has gotten into the triple digits.
- Beer burps. So amazing the force that can be generated by a little three or four pound preemie after chugging 10 mL of milk.
Time for work. More later!
Just wanted to say Hi!
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled across your blog and I am now hooked!
I used to be a nurse before coming a paramedic, and still vividly remember my week in NICU at my teaching hospital. I never realised I could be so fascinated and petrified at the same time.
As a paramedic, I had the opportunity to train as a neonatal transport practitioner, which was a six month course training paramedics in stabisation of a prem baby for transport, insertion of chest tubes, anaesthetics etc, so that a doctor didnt need to come on the transfers that we were doing.
I thought about if for a couple of moments then thought....Sod That!!!!
I think I will leave that well and truly to you guys!
Im looking forward to reading more.
Mark
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you found the blog. I appreciate the comment!
I came from an EMS background before becoming a NICU nurse. I do miss the prehospital work (sometimes - haha). Those days were some of the best memories I have.
Thanks for stopping by!
I get a huge hoot out of the burp too. And the kids whose hair sticks straight up and looks like heat miser.....Also the expression on their faces at birth. If they could talk they would say, "Hey lady, did you get the number of the bus that just hit me." They also give me dirty looks when I take them to the warmer. It is pretty hysterical.
ReplyDelete