Day 10: My Time in the NICU Comes to an End

Today was my first and last day with Christina who had two babies, one critical baby and one healthy baby. The doctors tried to extubate the critical baby yesterday and use a different, less invasive form of ventilation, but he didn't last long, and they had to re-intubate him. They've tried to extubate him several times, but he always has to get intubated again. The neonatologists are debating about a tracheostomy, which would really be sad because of how involved it is. This baby has already had several surgeries, including getting his large epiglottis shaved, which is the structure that covers the trachea to prevent food from entering. They hoped that this would help solve his respiratory issues, but they saw no difference after the surgery.

Throughout my time in the NICU, I always saw new little faces when I came in every morning, but somehow I never saw the process of admitting a new patient until today. I watched the process of everything the nurses to do admit a patient, including drawing blood, putting patches on, and putting in an IV, breathing tube, and feeding tube. I noticed that everyone around the baby's bedside were nurses; they did all of the hands-on work to save the baby, and the doctor just came at the end to examine everything the nurses had already done. Again, this is another example of the independence and decision-making ability NICU nurses have, and I would definitely rather be in the hands-on position of a nurse than the overseeing eyes of a doctor.

Like I said before, I tried not to get attached to any babies, but sometimes that just isn't possible, which the nurses have also told me. Today, I fed and snuggled the most adorable baby ever. Even though he is only five days old, he was so much more alert and interactive than any of the other babies. He latched on to my finger and necklace with his hand and rested his head on my chest. Though I know this baby is in a rough situation because of choices his family made, all I and the nurses can do is give him the care and support he deserves. I think that is the most rewarding part of this job.

Next week I start with Dr. Mills, the pediatrician, but the last two weeks have definitely been a good experience. I strongly feel like I accomplished everything I wanted to in the NICU, including my goals. I think I might just have to go back as a cuddler once I turn 18.