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Hello! Welcome to my little space on the internet where I share all things NICU nursing and NICU life. If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re curious about what it’s really like to be a NICU nurse. Over the years, I’ve been asked so many questions about this specialty. Below are some of the most common ones, along with advice and insight from my past decade of experience working in the NICU. Hi, I’m Nurse Tori! (Victoria Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC). I’ve been a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse since 2012, caring for some of the smallest and most fragile patients: newborns who need extra support to grow and thrive. I have worked in Children's Hospitals, University Hospitals, small and large NICUs, where I take care of premature and critically ill infants and support their families during some of the most emotional moments of their lives. I also earned my Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership, and I’m passionate about not only caring for my patients but also educating and mentoring others. I’m also the co-founder of NICUity, a company focused on creating better education and resources for NICU providers and families. NICU Nurse Q/A 1. What education or training did you have to get in order to do this work? To work as a NICU Nurse, you must obtain your nursing license. In order to sit for the Nursing Boards, you have to complete a nursing program. There are 3 main degrees: ADN (Associate's Degree in Nursing), BSN (Bachelor's of Science Nursing), and MSN (Master's Degree in Nursing). You can work in any NICU with these degrees. However, I typically recommend obtaining your BSN if possible as many new grad NICU programs require this or hiring managers tend to favor the bachelor's degree as potential candidates. ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) ⏱ Time: ~2 years🎯 Level: Entry-level nurse (RN) An ADN is the fastest way to become a registered nurse. You’ll learn the core skills needed to safely care for patients and can start working in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care settings after passing the NCLEX (nursing license exam). How to get it: Apply to a community college nursing program Complete prerequisite classes (like biology, anatomy) Finish the nursing program (~2 years) Pass the NCLEX-RN → become a licensed RN Good to know: Great starting point, but some hospitals prefer or require a BSN. BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) ⏱ Time: ~4 years (or 2 years if you already have an ADN)🎯 Level: RN + more advanced training A BSN includes everything in an ADN program plus deeper education in leadership, critical thinking, research, and public health. Many hospitals (especially NICUs, ICUs, and larger medical centers) prefer BSN-prepared nurses. How to get it: Attend a 4-year university nursing program OR Get your ADN first → then complete an RN-to-BSN program (often online) Pass the NCLEX-RN Why it matters: More job opportunities, higher earning potential, and better preparation for specialty units (like NICU 👶) MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) ⏱ Time: ~2–3 years after BSN🎯 Level: Advanced practice or leadership An MSN takes your nursing career to the next level. This is where you can specialize, like becoming a nurse practitioner, educator, or leader. Why it matters: Some colleges and universities offer direct-entry MSN programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. This means you can bypass earning a separate BSN and go straight into a master’s program, allowing you to become a registered nurse and earn your MSN in one streamlined path. 2. Can you outline some of the things you do during an average day as a NICU nurse? General list of NICU Nurse Duties ♡ Full head-to-toe assessments & direct patient care ♡ Monitor vitals, labs, and overall stability ♡ Assist with imaging (CXR, ECHO, MRI, etc.) ♡ Support line placements (PICC, UAC, UVC, central lines) ♡ Assist with procedures (intubations, extubations, bronchoscopies) ♡ Start IVs & obtain labs (central lines, PICC, heel sticks) ♡ Maintain and manage central lines (sterile changes, caps, tubing) ♡ Place feeding tubes (NG/OG) ♡ Prepare infants for surgery ♡ Provide post-operative and surgical site care (trachs, ostomies, chest tubes, etc.) ♡ Administer medications  (IV, oral, IM, rectal, buccal, etc.) ♡ Collaborate with respiratory, providers, therapy, and ancillary teams ♡ Communicate changes in patient status ♡ Feed, bathe, and comfort babies ♡ Support breastfeeding and pumping ♡ Advocate for each infant’s needs ♡ Provide patient- and family-centered care ♡ Educate and support parents and caregivers ♡ Coordinate resources for families ♡ Participate in research and evidence-based practice ♡ Precept and mentor new nurses ♡ Contribute to unit and hospital improvement initiatives 3.What kinds of diagnoses do you see in the NICU? There are many reasons why a baby would end up in a NICU. The reason could be as simple as dehydration from breastfeeding difficulties, or it could be as complex as a life-threatening diagnosis or congenital disease. The type and complexity of the diagnoses you may see depend on the level of NICU you work at. Acuity levels range from I-IV, with level IV facilities providing the most comprehensive and complex care. Diagnosis Includes: Prematurity (babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) Early term infants (babies born between 37-39 weeks of pregnancy) Low birth weight (babies that weigh less than 5.5 pounds) Micro-preemies, Sepsis (serious infections) Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Heart Defects Congenital anomalies Respiratory failure Birth defects Trauma Seizures Gastroschisis Hypoglycemia Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) Jaundice Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Multiples (Twins, Triplets) Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS, drug addicted mothers) Unknown pregnancies Precipitous birth Placental Abruption, etc. Learn more here....NICU 101 4. What is the work schedule like? Most NICU and hospital nursing jobs are built around 12-hour shifts. That usually means either 7:00 AM–7:00 PM or 7:00 PM–7:00 AM. Full-time nurses typically work three shifts a week (36 hours), which gives you four days off. Some hospitals still offer 8-hour shifts, but that’s becoming less common. Most units have moved to 12s because it simplifies scheduling and reduces the number of times care gets handed off between nurses. Working longer shifts also means you spend more consistent time with your patients, which many nurses (myself included) really value. But it’s not perfect,12-hour shifts can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially in high-acuity areas like the NICU. At the end of the day, both schedules have pros and cons. It really comes down to your lifestyle, your unit, and what works best for you. 5. What are some of the most important skills you had to learn to do this job well? Being a NICU nurse is a mix of science, heart, and adaptability. These are some of the biggest skills I’ve learned along the way: 1. Passion for the neonatal population. You have to truly love working with babies. In the NICU, you’re caring for neonates from birth through the first year of life. It’s a small, specialized (and honestly very “boutique”) population—but also incredibly dynamic. You’re not just caring for the baby, you’re constantly supporting and educating families. In the NICU, you build really close relationships with parents in a way that’s unique compared to many other units. 2. Attention to detail. Everything is small in the NICU, including the margin for error. Medications, doses, and changes in condition can be subtle but critical. The little things matter here more than anywhere else. 3. Teamwork. NICU care is never done alone. You’re constantly working with nurses, respiratory therapists, doctors, and families. Being a strong, supportive teammate makes a huge difference—for both patient outcomes and your day-to-day experience. 4. Critical thinking. These babies are in the NICU for a reason, they’re medically fragile. You have to think beyond the task in front of you and understand the “why” behind everything. How is this affecting the lungs? The brain? The heart? What are the long-term implications? Every action has a cause and effect. 5. Flexibility. No two shifts are the same. Patient conditions change, staffing shifts, new technology is introduced, and practices evolve with evidence-based care. You have to be able to pivot quickly and stay grounded in the middle of change. 6. Creativity. NICU nursing often requires thinking outside the box. Whether it’s positioning a baby just right, using the resources you have in new ways, or helping parents feel more confident and involved, you learn to get creative. 7. A sense of humor. This job can be intense. Having a sense of humor helps you stay balanced, connect with your team, and get through the tough days. 6.Did you get your job as a new grad nurse? Did you have prior experience? YES, I did! I was hired as a NICU New Grad Nurse, and NO, I did not have prior NICU nursing experience. However, I interviewed for several different Nurse Residency Programs all over California & Arizona. It took me 8+ months and multiple interviews to land my first job out of nursing school. This is why I am so passionate about helping you all through the interview process. We don’t really learn interview skills in nursing school, despite them being a key factor in getting a job offer. If you are in the process of interviewing or want to know what to expect and how to prepare, I highly recommend our E-book and Podcast episode to help you in your process! 7. What are some problematic things that come up that you didn’t know about beforehand? How did you handle those things? There are definitely things about NICU nursing that you can’t fully understand until you’re in it. These are some that really stand out to me: 1. Learning when to speak up and trust your gut. One of the hardest skills to develop is knowing when to involve the medical team. Early on, you question yourself a lot, “Is this a real change or am I overthinking it?” Over time, you learn to recognize subtle differences and trust your instincts. That confidence only comes with experience. 2. Burnout. This is something I don’t think we talk about enough. At this point in my career, I’ve experienced burnout more than once. The NICU can be emotionally and mentally heavy. What’s helped me is shifting, learning something new, stepping into a different role, or making sure I’m filling my cup outside of work. 3. Feeling overwhelmed in new roles. Whether it’s bedside, charge nurse, educator, resource, admissions, critical situations, or learning specialized skills like vascular access, every new role can feel overwhelming at first. That’s normal. These skills take time to build. You are not expected to master everything overnight. Pace yourself and be kind to yourself while you’re learning. 4. Accepting that you can’t fix everything. This one is tough. We are in healthcare to help, heal, and create positive outcomes—but that isn’t always the reality. There are bigger system challenges we face every day: staffing, resources, evolving technology, and the complexity of patient care. Learning to focus on what you can control, while letting go of what you can’t, is key. I’ve found a lot of strength in that mindset—doing your best for your patients and families, while also recognizing that change in healthcare often happens slowly over time. 8.Is the NICU a good unit to start in as a new grad nurse, or should I get more general experience before working with neonates? Everyone will give you a different answer to this question, so it can be tough to know who to believe! In my experience, the NICU is a great place to start! I began my nursing career in a NICU nurse residency program and have never felt like I needed any other experience to be happy and successful. However, I know plenty of amazing NICU nurses who started elsewhere and transitioned from other units like adult ICUs, L&D, postpartum units, PACU, or OR. In fact, when I was applying for jobs, I truly thought I wanted to be a CVICU/CTICU Cardiothoracic Pediatric Nurse. That was my passion and I felt so drawn to that population and their families! However, due to application process & job strategy, I opted to apply to NICU! At the time, the NICU was hiring more new grads and I thought I had a better chance of landing one of those jobs. I did get the job, and it was then that I discovered my love for preemies. Not only that, but I also have the opportunity to work with cardiothoracic patients within my level IV NICU! I’ve gotten the best of both worlds. 7. If given a chance, would you choose this type of work again? Why or why not? Yes! Over and over again. I truly love being a NICU nurse. It’s challenging, emotional, and demanding, but it’s also incredibly meaningful work. Getting to care for these babies and support their families during such a critical time is something I don’t take for granted. Over time, I’ve learned that I personally thrive in higher-level NICUs (Level III and IV), where you see the most complex cases, ECMO, cardiothoracic surgery, and other life-saving interventions. That’s where I feel most challenged and fulfilled, but it definitely took time and experience to get there. That said, every NICU is different. Some nurses prefer community-based hospitals or units with lower acuity, and that is equally important and valuable. There is no “one right path” in NICU nursing. I was intentional early in my career—I applied far and wide and even moved to get into the type of unit I knew I wanted. I’ve also worked in smaller NICUs, and those experiences pushed me in different ways. With fewer resources and less immediate support, I had to grow quickly—strengthening my IV skills, learning how to stabilize critically ill babies for transport, and supporting families in a more hands-on, independent way. Every setting taught me something different. And looking back, I wouldn’t change any part of that journey. 8.Do you have any good new grad nurse pointers? Too many to count! I have compiled 10+ years of NICU nurse experience, crowd-sourced from NICU colleagues, and combined it all here for you in this blog. Starting a new job can be challenging, and our very unique patient population can make the whole experience more nerve-racking! Whether you’ve just landed your dream job in the NICU, are thinking about applying to nursing school, are studying for the NCLEX, or are a new grad considering where to apply, here’s some hot tips for you if you’re considering starting out your career in the NICU! 8. What is your best general career advice? Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible. I started in the NICU as a new grad and made it happen but it took preparation, persistence, and a lot of intention. I practiced my interviews over and over, built a strong portfolio, and made sure I could clearly show my passion for working in the NICU. Be diligent in your NICU job prep. Research the unit. Know as much as you can about where you’re applying. Network with people in the field, nurses, respiratory therapists, PT/OT, and ask questions. Use your time in nursing school, clinicals, or preceptorships to learn as much as possible. Be curious. Get a little “nosey.” That’s how you grow. Be open to change. Healthcare is always evolving, and the best nurses are the ones who stay flexible and willing to learn. I still ask questions all the time, and I’m very honest when I don’t know something. And always ask questions. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Double-check orders. Verify everything. Mistakes can happen, and part of your role is to advocate for your patient by speaking up. Most importantly, don’t forget your why. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re unhappy, you are not stuck. Nursing offers so many different paths. You can change units, try a new role, go back to school, or find fulfillment outside of the hospital. I love bedside nursing, but I’ve also built a life outside of it that fills my cup. You can have both. I hope this blog was helpful for you! I’m so excited for you as you start your journey. Take a look around. I have more blogs, podcasts, and resources here, and NICUity is an amazing place to dive even deeper. If you’re looking for more in-depth NICU education, we offer a masterclass you can take anytime. It’s fully loaded with the “how-tos” of NICU nursing, bedside practice foundations, and a strong understanding of the role, plus CEUs. Thank you so much for being here and supporting this space. Wishing you the best of luck on your NICU journey. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out or drop them below. xo Victoria (Tori) Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC, has been a NICU nurse since 2012, caring for critically ill newborns in acute and high-acuity neonatal settings throughout Southern California. Board-certified in neonatal intensive care and experienced as a travel NICU nurse, she is also the co-founder and CEO of NICUity, a modern resource hub supporting NICU professionals and families through practical education, tools, and community. Outside of the bedside, Tori is a mom, wife, content creator, and nurse who shares the honest, relatable side of motherhood, nurse life, and entrepreneurship, offering practical tips and encouragement for healthcare providers and modern moms alike. Discover her latest resources and recommendations at www.tipsfromtori.com or reach out at lily@smallscreenmarketing.com.

"How do I prepare for a NICU interview?" The answer might be easier than you think. The scary part about interviews is that if you’ve never worked in a NICU before, you probably aren’t very familiar with the workflow, patient population, and . This can be daunting and can leave you feeling underprepared and underqualified. However, hiring managers for these departments know this, and tend not to ask many questions that only experienced NICU nurses would know the answers to. Rather, they want to know why you want to work in their unit and how you’ve prepared to be successful in the role. They ask situational questions, like how you handled a challenging family member or how you responded during an emergency. They’ll be looking to hire someone who’s a great fit for their team, not just someone who has loads of NICU bedside experience. Most interviewers have a short list of skills they’ll be looking for in a nurse: Will they jump in and help a patient or coworker? Are they open to learning and growing? Can they stay calm and handle high-pressure situations? Do they have the confidence to speak up and advocate for a patient’s needs? Do they know how to prioritize and delegate? Are they equipped to support and comfort an infant and their family members? Are they interested in leadership roles? It’s important to remember that nurse interviewers don’t reinvent the wheel each time. They usually have a repository of questions to ask, many of which are similar to questions you’ve been asked in previous interviews. Let’s review a few common questions to give you a sense of what hiring managers will ask. 12 Common Nurse Interview Questions 1. “Tell me a bit about yourself.” Most hiring managers will start with a basic introductory question like this one. You’ll want to share a bit about your personal and professional background, your education, and your career goals. This is your time to share your excitement and enthusiasm for the NICU. 2. “What made you interested in our unit?” When answering this question, you’ll want to highlight any relevant nursing experience that has prepared you for the role. Maybe the unit you're interviewing for has won an award for its healthy work environment or is known for its high quality teamwork. Be sure to reference what you’re looking for in a nursing job and share why you think this particular unit is a good fit for you. 3. “How do you plan to help us meet our organizational goals?” Here, your interview will be checking to see if you’ve done your homework on their facility. Each unit has its own set of unique clinical goals. Prepare for your interview by conducting background research on the institution. You can check out their nursing website, read up on patient feedback and reviews, and talk to friends who work there. During the interview, you’ll want to show them that you’re familiar with NICU nursing quality indicators like infection rates and pressure injuries and know what it takes to keep patients safe. 4. “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle the situation?” Mistakes happen in nursing everyday. What’s important is that you learn from your mistake and work to minimize patient harm. When answering this question, you’ll want to be honest and open about a mistake you’ve made. Interviewers can smell a fake answer like “I’ve never made a mistake” from a mile away. 5. “What strengths will you bring to our nursing team?” Managers who ask this question want to know what you’ll bring to the table. Share behaviors and skills like time management, strong communication, compassion, and attention to detail. Telling a story about your strengths in action can give more meaning to your experiences and bedside expertise. 6. “How would you handle a patient emergency?” Answers to this question can reveal whether you have the skills and experience to handle a patient who is decompromising fast. Show that you know how to communicate concerns to the physician and step in when things get hectic. 7. “Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a family member.” Patient and family advocacy is so important to improving health outcomes. Managers want to make sure they hire nurses that go the extra mile to get patients the care and treatment they need. 8. “Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How did you handle the situation?” Unfortunately, disagreements arise in healthcare. What’s most important is that you can handle yourself professionally and manage the situation in a calm and composed manner. Show that you prioritize patient safety and satisfaction over your own personal pride. Managers won’t want to hire someone that’s petty or argumentative. 9. “How would you communicate with a family member who was unhappy with the team’s care plan?” Sometimes, a parent or family member is unhappy with the quality of care their loved one receives. It’s often our duty as nurses to listen to their complaints and work to resolve their concerns as quickly and painlessly as possible. 10. “How do you plan to de-stress after a challenging shift?” Nursing can be challenging and it’s important to demonstrate you have the skills necessary to bounce back after a tough shift. Can you compartmentalize and complete the tasks that need to be done? Will you have the strength to come back day after day? Answers to this question can showcase your resilience and dedication to patient care. 11. “What are your professional goals for the next 5 years?” Hiring managers want to know if you’re driven and motivated to improve your professional practice. Do you plan to work in their organization long-term or if you are on the fast track to an advanced degree? Interviewers care less about what your goals actually are and just care that you’re thinking about your future in nursing. 12. “Do you have any questions for us before we finish up?” An interview allows you to ask clarifying questions about the logistics of the position. If you don’t ask any questions, the hiring manager may assume you’re not that interested in the position. Here, we provide a list of example questions you can ask during the final minutes of your interview: LIST OF QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. What is the size and organizational structure of your unit? How many patients does your unit hold? 2. What is your nurse-to-patient ratio? 3. Can you discuss your take on the hospital's culture and philosophy? 4. What does the transition period look like? Would I be expected to work days or nights? 5. What does the orientation period look like? Will I have a designated preceptor? 6. What are some recommendations for getting involved and growing within your unit? 7. What will be the greatest challenge of the job? 8. What are the greatest strengths of this department? 9. Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position? 10. What are the traits and skills of people most successful within this unit? 11. What do you like best about working in this organization? Download your Interview E-Book today! The Complete Nurse Interview E-Book Here is our fully loaded E-Book. This E-Book is a digital download that provides you with NURSE PRO TIPS to help you land that dream job! This is a fully loaded guide complete with the strategies to help you master your job application and interview process. We cover all of the juicy details to help you perfect the art of interviewing. Topics included: ♡ INTERVIEW PREP ♡ JOB INTERVIEW 101 ♡ THE THINGS THEY DON’T TELL YOU ♡ NURSING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES ♡ BONUS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS! ♡ PORTFOLIO BREAKDOWN ♡ RESUME AND COVER LETTER 101 ♡ THINGS YOU CAN DO EARLY ♡ SOCIAL MEDIA CONSIDERATIONS Tips for Every Stage of Your Nursing Journey Whether you're interviewing for a position or are looking to develop your professional practice in your current role, NICUity has you covered! We’ve got educational resources, guides, and supplies to get you through every step of the way. Victoria (Tori) Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC, has been a NICU nurse since 2012, caring for critically ill newborns in acute and high-acuity neonatal settings throughout Southern California. Board-certified in neonatal intensive care and experienced as a travel NICU nurse, she is also the co-founder and CEO of NICUity, a modern resource hub supporting NICU professionals and families through practical education, tools, and community. Outside of the bedside, Tori is a mom, wife, content creator, and nurse who shares the honest, relatable side of motherhood, nurse life, and entrepreneurship, offering practical tips and encouragement for healthcare providers and modern moms alike. Discover her latest resources and recommendations at www.tipsfromtori.com or reach out at lily@smallscreenmarketing.com.

As a NICU nurse for more than 10 years, I can honestly say that about 95% of the time, I absolutely love what I do. It’s an incredible privilege to care for the tiniest patients and to witness the amazing things modern medicine can do to help them survive and grow. I never take that for granted. But this is about the other 5%. The 5% that comes with heartbreak. The 5% that stays with you long after your shift ends. The 5% that reminds you just how fragile life can be. Recently, I was part of the team caring for a baby and their family during one of those moments. It was one of the cases that really settled deep into my heart. The kind that follows you home, that sits with you in the quiet, that makes you pause and reflect on everything we see and experience in this work. When I need to process things, sometimes I write. And this time, the words just poured out. I don’t know if the family this was written for will ever see it. But I hope that maybe another NICU family will. Or another NICU nurse, respiratory therapist, doctor, or provider who might need it. Because that 5% is real.And no one should have to carry it alone. the angels you did not ask for You’re not supposed to know me. You’re not supposed to need my name. I step in quietly, gloved and steady, Then leave before the daylight comes again. Some say we play God, In a world of black and white. But here, in the NICU, We live our lives in grey, especially at night. Most nights blur into muscle memory: Deliveries, admissions, care times, charting, and scars. But some patients carve their names into us, Constellations we’ll carry long after they’re gone. The hardest truth of what we do Is knowing we can’t fix it all. We can’t make every ending gentler Or silence every loved one’s call. We are trained to mend and soften blows, To make it better, to restore. We are healers by design — But feelers, always asking for more. This job asks us to pocket tears, To translate chaos, stand upright in fear, To armor up when the room collapses, Smile steady, then disappear. Most days the shield fits just fine We tuck sadness neatly away. But some nights crack the surface, And grief refuses to stay contained. This was one that etched my mind Lines and tubes, a careful design. Ventilator humming lullabies, Pumps in rhythm, all care plans aligned. Everything where it should have been, Every protocol in sight. But what do you do when fixing it Is no longer an option tonight? They saw you frozen in the corner, Disbelief written across your face. Your whole life shattered in a second, Time stopping in that sacred space. Words left you. Movement failed. Your breath caught somewhere deep inside A silence louder than alarms, A scream you swallowed just to survive. The adrenaline drained from our veins, The room exhaled, the chaos stilled. We watched a tiny fighter rest, Praying hope would bend to will. Sometimes the world is set ablaze, And there’s nothing left to do. No medication, no miracle— Just sitting in the ache with you. Facing life without your person Is more than any heart should bear. Gaining angels wasn’t the bargain It’s cruel, uneven, devastatingly unfair. They say there’s God. They say there’s reason. I don’t know if I believe that’s true. Some losses feel senseless, brutal — And you lost not one, but two. “They’re angels now,” the whispers say. But you never asked for this. Know we hold your grief with reverence— Because this one shattered all of us. Walking out of the unit felt heavier, Like gravity had learned my name. Nothing makes life feel more fragile, More sacred, more unbearably plain. The suddenness of one moment A before-and-after split in two. I wish I could stitch your heart back whole, And undo what that night put you through. But maybe all I can offer Is this small, honest truth: This broke us too. We wanted to heal. We wanted the impossible for you. Some say we play God In a world of black and white. But here, in the NICU, We survive in shades of messy grey light. Moments like this make me wish We had the power to rewrite To take the pain, erase the loss, And give you back your light. Most days this job feels light and meaningful, Purpose stitched into every breath. And other nights I numb the edges, Trying not to carry death. To my NICU nurses, Who give your whole heart to the work: Please tend to your grief with tenderness, And let healing find you first. To the parents who lost an angel, Or maybe even two. Know you live on in our quiet moments, Our hearts still heavy, holding you. INSTAGRAM VIDEO - read it aloud https://www.instagram.com/p/DUW17Imj4Lq/ Dedicated to the patient and loved ones of this hardship, and to NICU parents who have endured the same as well as the NICU teams caring for them. xo Tori Victoria (Tori) Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC, has been a NICU nurse since 2012, caring for critically ill newborns in acute and high-acuity neonatal settings throughout Southern California. Board-certified in neonatal intensive care and experienced as a travel NICU nurse, she is also the co-founder and CEO of NICUity, a modern resource hub supporting NICU professionals and families through practical education, tools, and community. Outside of the bedside, Tori is a mom, wife, content creator, and nurse who shares the honest, relatable side of motherhood, nurse life, and entrepreneurship, offering practical tips and encouragement for healthcare providers and modern moms alike. Discover her latest resources and recommendations at www.tipsfromtori.com or reach out at lily@smallscreenmarketing.com.

Tori Meskin has been a dedicated clinician since 2012, working in acute care and inpatient NICU settings in Southern California. She holds a National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) and has extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is a sponsored MSN student at Capella University and a Brave Beginnings Ambassador. She recently launched NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU professionals with education, bedside tools, and resources. Follow her journey as she navigates the Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC 01 About Me I started working as a Registered Nurse in 2013. I now have over 10 years of neonatal and pediatric critical care experience. Over the years, I’ve learned valuable lessons and formed meaningful connections with coworkers, patients, and their families that will affect the rest of my life! I share many of these insights with you here :) 03 Experience I have served as a specialty NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN serving patients in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. In these positions, I’ve provided direct patient care, leadership, consultation, education and patient care management expertise for the complex neonatal & pediatric patient populations. In each position, I’ve focused on mentoring fellow NICU RNs in my unit and those around the globe. My diversified clinical experiences have helped make me the nurse I am today! 02 Education I graduated from The University of Arizona (beardown) with a dual major in Nursing and Psychology. Most recently in 2024, I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership. 04 Experience I am trained to work in specialized areas, including Small Baby Units, and Surgical NICUs (treating cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, neurosurgical, and congenital anomalies). I’ve also worked as part of a clinical Body Cooling Team, protecting tiny babies and helping them recover after a difficult birth. More about Tori we love the juice 06 Social Media 05 NICUity Co-founder In 2024, I launched my own company –NICUity. I created this company with a goal of empowering NICU professionals through comprehensive support, education, and innovation, while fostering confidence and competence for delivering exceptional care to NICU patients and their families. Check out our website , which is chock full of NICU provider tools, education, and resources! I began blogging in 2018 created this litte corner of the internet with you in mind@ Later, I had opportunites to partner with various brands and grow my creative platforms. I even became an ambassador for Brave Beginnings a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure ventilators and essential neonatal equipment are available to newborns in critical need. I was featured on their 2019 PSA with John Cena to help bring awareness to their mission. 08 Keynote Speaker 07 Podcast In March 2020, I founded The Cellfie Show , a podcast dedicated to sharing stories from all angles of healthcare. On our show, we interview health professionals, entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, homeopathic practitioners, addiction specialists, therapists & coaches, social media personalities, mental health specialists, patient and family perspectives, and people of interest, learning from their journeys in life and on the job. Never in my life did I think I would have the opportunity to speak in front of some of the most well-renowned surgeons, clinical proessionals, and peers. Public speaking is both nerve-racking and thrilling for me....I know, weird! But this has opened so many new opportunities to meet new people at conferences, learn more about myself, travel, and challenge myself in a new way. I began keynote speaking in 2022 and have had the honor of presenting at NANN, The Neonatal Heart Society conference "NeoHeart," the Audrey Harries Foundation of Neonatal Nurses, and contributing on panels at various medical events. 09 Cellf Care Health Management Concierge Wellness Nurse My most recent adventure was the creation of Cellf Care Health Management . This is a virtual concierge wellness clinic dedicated to supporting patients in their metabolic health, including weight loss, peptide therapy, nutrient-based injections, and improving overall health. This clinic has sparked such a passion for me in helping so many people find solutions to various health issues! With the guidance and supervision of my medical director, we are able to provide safe, affordable, convenient, cutting-edge improvements to patients' lives! Nurse Blog There are few places to find support, information or insight into the real nursing world. Most blogs out there aren’t able to show a comprehensive picture of what it’s like for us at work and off the job! With Tips From Tori, I wanted to bring you a bit of nursing advice & real life fun as well. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. take me there To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Your Weekly Dose of Sweet & Salty! Two nurses talking "Off The Clock," about healthcare, self-care, & the down & dirty in between. Together Tori Meskin & Sam Manassero are bringing you the unfiltered side of the medical world. They have unmatched chemistry with their sassy banter & 17 years of combined nursing experiences. CELLFIE PODCAST EPISODES

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