specialty focus
specialty focus
NICU nurse and chair of LLTF Seona Emanuelli . Picture : Supplied / Bidibots
“ This can be very challenging , but when you work with a great team , you can lean on each other for support , decision making and assistance .
positions from management , research , education and clinical bedside , and it ’ s satisfying .
You don ’ t just care for the neonate and their medical needs but care for the whole family throughout their journey .
Most families don ’ t expect to be in the NICU / SCN during pregnancy , so developing relationships as a nurse is a vital part of the role as they navigate this quite confronting environment .
Can you tells us how and why you became a NICU nurse ? I fell into NICU accidentally . I had only some paediatric experience while working in Sydney and decided to move and work in the UK .
As a sick children ’ s nurse , I thought I would be placed in a medical or surgery
paediatric ward . When I arrived , the hospital had placed me in surgical NICU . I really had no idea ; it was a bit of a sink-or-swim experience .
I had two great mentors in the NICU , one a nurse who really took me under his wing in teaching , and another [ who was ] a surgical neonatologist who I would go into theatre with , and he would teach me different complex operations and neonatal anatomy .
I moved back to Sydney and into NICU from the UK and haven ’ t looked back .
What ’ s the most challenging and rewarding part of the job ? Babies who are critically unwell or extremely premature have days of endless interventions and tests . Adjustments to care can be made hourly for stabilisation .
This can be very challenging , but when you work with a great team , you can lean on each other for support , decision making and assistance .
The culture in a NICU is extremely important for effective care from the health professionals and the baby and their families .
I think the greatest reward is the value you can bring to the family during their journey through the nurseries and seeing babies go home .
There are so many experiences that I will never forget ! Families have sent me photos of their baby ’ s first day at school and kindergarten . Mothers ’ letters of those babies that didn ’ t make it home , appreciating how special the care was in those final moments .
I am in touch from time to time with families from years ago , which is so special .
You are the chair of LLTF . What has that been like for you ? I have been on the board for nearly three years and chair for the last 12 months . I have seen firsthand the positive impact the Foundation ’ s work has on families in the NICU / SCN .
It is great to be part of a dedicated and passionate team that solely supports families of sick and premature babies .
What are the goals for LLTF ? LLTF has several initiatives to assist families and health professionals . We have dedicated teams in each state that provide directly into the hospitals ’ practical support , information , and assistance . This can be resources , food and travel vouchers , emotional support groups , precious prem packs , and health information .
LLTF ’ s vision is to ensure that all families enduring the difficult and life-changing experience of having a premature / sick baby have easy access to critical information and community support .
Is there any advice you would give aspiring nurses interested in pursuing a career in NICU ? Entering the area of neonatal care is rewarding and challenging .
It has growth opportunities for those who want to branch into the areas of education , research , discharge coordination , and special interest groups .
Like all areas of the nursing profession , dedication to a healthy work-life balance is a must .
I wouldn ’ t have it any other way to dedicate my career to care for our smallest patients and their families . ■
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