Internship

This has been such an incredible summer, because I have the opportunity to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital . The only downside is the commute, but it is still worth it. Below is an example of what an average day at work looks like for me. I even put it in military time because this is how we document!

0425: My alarm goes off and I get ready
              (I make my coffee, breakfast, and lunch the night before
               to make my mornings easier)

0445: Leave to drive to the train station

My view each morning

0515: Arrive at the train station, finish my breakfast, and
              pay the parking fee at the kiosk

0526: The train leaves
              -Take a nap
              -Read my bible
              -Talk with my friend Lizzie who rides the same train

0644: The train arrives in Chicago

0655: Take the bus from the train station to the hospital





















0710: Arrive at the hospital, have a snack, and check out my  assignment for the day

0730: My "work day" begins. I use quotations because it doesn't even feel like a job. I just love it so so much! (Hopefully this feeling doesn't wear off haha)

My day consists of being paired with my preceptor and following her assignment. We can have anywhere from one to four babies depending on if they are in a critical situation or closer to going home. My basic role consists of doing assessments on the babies and feeding them every three hours. I cannot believe I get paid to hold babies! Beyond the basic roles we do anything the baby or the family needs. This can include breastfeeding education, oxygen support, temperature regulation, discharge education, and SO MUCH MORE! I really love the educational aspect of teaching the parents.

I obviously cannot post pictures of my patients due to privacy regulations.
However this is a GOOGLE picture of a NICU baby so you can see just how cute they are :)

2000: Off work! I then take a bus, shuttle or taxi to get to the train station depending on how long our report to the night nurse took.

2040: The train leaves to go back to Elburn.
              -Read my book
              -Texting or talking on the phone

2204: Train arrives in Elburn

2235: Finally home!!! I will usually grab a light dinner or snack when I get home. Then if I work the next day I quickly make my lunch and head to bed. If I am off the next day then I will usually fall asleep to a movie.

I feel so unbelievably blessed to have this opportunity to work in the NICU over the summer. I love the babies, the relationships with the parents, and the great nursing skills I'm gaining!