A couple weeks ago at clinical, I was able to experience something new and very exciting. I had the opportunity to shadow a nurse in the NICU. This day opened my eyes to a different side of pediatric care. I was able to observe feedings, medication administration, a sterile line tubing change, as well as interactions with the families of these tiny humans. One thing that really stood out to me was the NAS baby. She was a twin, born to two drug addict parents. She was almost completely weaned off of the morphine, which was very exciting. Also, she had an endocrine disorder which caused her to have various other issues. Another interesting thing I was able to witness was a baby born with a neuromuscular deformity. She was born with no muscle from her elbows down, and her knees down, as well as many other deformities. Her skin was incredibly taut and she was unable to move on her own. Due to her underdeveloped muscles, she was unable to breathe on her own, therefore she was on a ventilator. I was informed that her condition makes her incompatible with life and she would be given palliative care until the family made a final decision. I enjoyed my time in this unit and I learned a lot. The nurses were all amazing and very excited to teach me everything they could in the short time that I spent there.
