How to survive your first neonatal job

Abstract

This article serves as a guide to navigating any clinician's first neonatal job, offering practical tips across all areas including neonatal intensive care, the special care baby unit and the postnatal ward. Whilst it focuses on the training landscape for paediatricians in the UK, it may be more widely applicable. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing patient care through effective teamwork, communication, and regular check-ins with colleagues, especially during high-pressure situations such as births. Key practical skills, including airway management, blood gas interpretation, and procedural training, are discussed, along with strategies for obtaining workplace-based assessments. Importantly, the piece reinforces the value of support systems available to trainees, including mentorship from senior colleagues and interdisciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, whilst aneonatal rotation can be daunting, it offers invaluable opportunities for professional growth, equipping trainees with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of neonatal care confidently.