I wish I was making this up. But I’m just not.
Sure, if you work in the NICU you tend to become a little sensitive to how babies are aligned and positioned. How their motor system, for example, is supported, or not.
But do you ever find yourself doing something like this? (And if not, please just go along with me here!)
Scene 1
While in California 2 weeks ago, I was ‘in charge’ one night of keeping track of the baby doll we use for demonstration during our presentation.
She had a nice little swaddle cloth.
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So as I was unpacking, this is how I arranged ‘her’ on the bed. |
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Yep. Hands to mouth. Swaddled. Comfortable, don’t ya think?
Scene 2
I was sitting at my desk last Friday and another baby doll I use for positioning lectures was sitting on my desk. I’m not sure why, but that’s not the point.
I looked up and this is how she was sitting:
So……
Scene 3
You knew this was coming, right?!
Not that these photos reflect positions babies in the NICU should or would be in, but an interesting thing to notice about oneself.
You might work in the NICU if you’re ultra particular about all things. In a good way. From the perfect tension on the ETT to the best outfit for the baby in honor of grandma’s first visit, to the most comfortable and aligned position for sleep. When you work in a place where things are measured and calculated in grams, mls, kcals, cms, there’s just not much room for error. We’re raised in the NICU to be particular for good reason.
(You might also work in the NICU if there’s no way you’ll use a blanket that clashes with all other bed linens! It’s just how we’re wired.)
There is highly intensive care going on in our units.
AND we can’t help but care for the babies like we’d want someone to care for our own babies. INTENSIVE care and intensive CARE.
You might work in the NICU if your passion shows up in many forms. Apparently. ☺
