A six-week placement in Logan Hospital's Neonatal Inpatient Unit for third year UQ Bachelor of Nursing student Chloe Antonio has opened her eyes into this specialist area and inspired her post graduation dreams.
"Over the past six weeks, I have had the amazing opportunity to complete my final placement in the Neonatal Inpatient Unit at Logan Hospital; it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my nursing journey so far. As a student nurse, I was not entirely sure what to expect stepping into neonatal care, but I now leave with a whole new appreciation for this unique and incredibly special area of nursing.
Working alongside such a skilled and supportive team of nurses, doctors, and specialists, I have learnt so much about caring for premature and critically ill newborns. Whether it was administering medication, assisting with feeding, monitoring vital signs, or providing emotional support and education to parents, I have learnt that neonatal nurses play an integral part of the care team in these early and delicate stages of a newborn's life. Every shift brought new challenges and learning opportunities for me, and I felt constantly inspired by the compassion, dedication, and teamwork shown by the neonatal nurses I had the opportunity to work with.
Neonatal nursing is definitely a niche speciality within the broader field of nursing, but it is one that I would highly recommend for other student nurses and registered nurses to explore and look into. Though the work is often behind the scenes, the impact is immeasurable. Being able to witness these neonates thrive and develop, knowing you played a part in their journey, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a neonatal nurse.
I have loved every second of my placement here at Logan Hospital's Neonatal Inpatient Unit and hope to be part of the team after I graduate."
Thank you for sharing your story as we celebrate World Prematurity Day 2025. We wish you all the best in your studies and can't wait to welcome you back to LBHS as part of the team!