[SteveRN21]

I really need some advice.

I have been working nights in a Level III Neonatal ICU for the last 14 months, and I really feel a pull to the ED, now more than ever. I turned a ED job down last year as a new grad for NICU, and while I love NICU and my babies, I crave the constant challenges and fast pace of the ED. Our unit doesn't do many surgeries, any cardiac, or have THAT many sicksick babies. While I love to do feeder growers, I sometimes feel that all I do is feed/change diapers. My unit has no *real* educational programs. The last one I attended was over 6 months ago, and was the first one offered since I finished orientation. I attended a trauma update with Dr Braselow (Braselow tape system) today, and I really want to get back into the Adult/ED area. I worked as a tech in the ER and ICU before I graduated, so I have an idea of what it's like. While I think it'll be a steep learning curve for a while, as I've been out of the adult loop for a while, I usually catch on quick. 2 days positions just opened in our brand new 78 bed ER, and i feel like I need to jump on them. I have ACLS/PALS/NRP/STABLE, and I'm arrythmia certified. My problem is that I hate to leave my manager in a rut. The night shift I was due to leave soon is hurting for people with NICU experience, as we have undergone an huge staff turnover in the last year. I really want to do ER day shift, but I also could stay on and do NICU day shift when my turn comes. In the ED I wouldn't be required to work the 3 mandatory overtime shifts we're required to do in NICU. I feel like I'd be "giving up" on my babies and friends in NICU......but I really want to do this!!! I also really miss working with guys! I'm all alone among dozens of women!!! Any advice? (Sorry for the long, fractured post...)

Stevern21

[rnpilot]

When I make decisions, I generally go with my heart. If I'm not sure where my heart really is, I do a pro and con list. The NICU problems are not yours, they are the hospital's and your manager's problem. The problems won't get solved unless they get bad enough for them to take real action. Are you living your life for them, or for you? Staying somewhere out of guilt will only hurt you. I had a friend that was a NICU nurse for several years who wanted to do ED. She was able to transfer in. I wish you the best.

[sddlnscp]

I know just how you feel, I will eventually be leaving an office full of wonderful people and I will be leaving them in a hurting situation once I complete nursing school. I feel horribly guilty about that and I love all my co-workers. However, I don't love my job like I should - and like I know somebody else could! Ultimately, I have to be true to myself and I know I will find that in nursing. You have to follow your heart - sometimes it is scary and you feel as though you are giving up, but you are not, you are instead moving forward. Look at your future and where you want to be, then go for it! You have an opportunity to go either way, I know it will be hard whichever decision you make, but if you follow your heart, in the end you will be much happier! Best of luck to you in whatever you choose.

[Gompers]

I'll be completely honest.

The longer you stay in the NICU, the harder it will be to transition back to adults one day. If you have the desire to try something new, do it now while your nursing school education is still somewhat fresh in your mind. I know you feel bad about leaving "your" babies and your manager, but you need to think about yourself and your career right now.

Again, I'm being completely honest. Good luck!!!

[Kimbalou]

Originally Posted by SteveRN21

I really need some advice.

I have been working nights in a Level III Neonatal ICU for the last 14 months, and I really feel a pull to the ED, now more than ever. I turned a ED job down last year as a new grad for NICU, and while I love NICU and my babies, I crave the constant challenges and fast pace of the ED. Our unit doesn't do many surgeries, any cardiac, or have THAT many sicksick babies. While I love to do feeder growers, I sometimes feel that all I do is feed/change diapers. My unit has no *real* educational programs. The last one I attended was over 6 months ago, and was the first one offered since I finished orientation. I attended a trauma update with Dr Braselow (Braselow tape system) today, and I really want to get back into the Adult/ED area. I worked as a tech in the ER and ICU before I graduated, so I have an idea of what it's like. While I think it'll be a steep learning curve for a while, as I've been out of the adult loop for a while, I usually catch on quick. 2 days positions just opened in our brand new 78 bed ER, and i feel like I need to jump on them. I have ACLS/PALS/NRP/STABLE, and I'm arrythmia certified. My problem is that I hate to leave my manager in a rut. The night shift I was due to leave soon is hurting for people with NICU experience, as we have undergone an huge staff turnover in the last year. I really want to do ER day shift, but I also could stay on and do NICU day shift when my turn comes. In the ED I wouldn't be required to work the 3 mandatory overtime shifts we're required to do in NICU. I feel like I'd be "giving up" on my babies and friends in NICU......but I really want to do this!!! I also really miss working with guys! I'm all alone among dozens of women!!! Any advice? (Sorry for the long, fractured post...)

Stevern21

I understand. I just gave my resignation letter to my manager after being in the NICU for 16 years! But, you have to do what's right for you!
That's what I did. I say go for it!
And what's this 3 "mandatory overtime" shifts?! That's BS. It would never happen in Ca. ED sounds better where you are.
Follow your dreams...and good luck!

[BittyBabyGrower]

Go For It! Like someone else said, those problems aren't going to be solved and they aren't YOUR problems. How will you ever know that ER isn't your true calling...and you sound like you would be a great asset! Just think, you'll be able to put IV's in veins that people have never heard of LOL.

Go with your heart!

[Humbled_Nurse]

stevern21:

You need to go where your passion is. Although I would hate to see you leave NICU because you seem like a very good nurse and one that has taken alot of initiative in your NICU. You have taken it upon yourself to learn all you can about the NICU and have even got involved in the unit with changing/revamping policies/procedures. I respect you for that. A lot of nurses do those things, but in reality most nurses don't. Most of a nurses learning starts after nursing school so it is up to the individual nurse to take initiative on learing all about her chosen specialty. You have done that and I respect that. It amazes me what some nurses don't know.

If you want ER I say go for it. It will be a lot different than NICU though! NICU can get routine at times so if you crave more adrenaline and variability then I say work in the ER! I think you will be an excellent ER nurse especially since you have a passion to learn and to be the best nurse you can be.

Also, don't feel bad about leaving your NICU position behind. Don't let the guilt of putting the unit in a bind because you are leaving be a contributing factor to your decision. They will be fine without you and the longer you stay the harder it will be to leave.

Good luck stevern21 and please keep us updated!

[dawngloves]

Don't make yourself miserable. Give your NM ample notice notice.(Maybe they'll work a little harder at recruiting)
Go with your heart.I did and I'll never go back to adults.
Just a thought. Do you have a facility with a peds ER? They'd snap you right up!

[kate1114]

Steve,
I would follow your heart. You have experience in this area, so it's not like you are leaping blind. Also, the NICU experience could really serve you well in the ED, since births can happen there as well (especially in women who present with abdominal pain every 5 minutes or so LOL). In addition, you will have gained skills in working with families (excellent for ED) and doing assessments on patients who can't tell you what is wrong. When I worked in PICU, I found that I had a better intuition for assessing pain since I was used to having to rely on body posture/position, vital signs, and facial grimace.
As for leaving the unit in the lurch, I concur with the other posters. It is not your responsibility to keep the unit running. It sounds like the manager needs a wakeup call. I am in a similar position, and a good number of the night shift are actively applying for other jobs outside of NICU (no other unit for many many miles). I feel a little guilty on leaving my other co-workers who "can't" leave and for leaving the infants, but we've been short for a while, and the unit keeps hiring travelers. They will find a way to fill the positions, don't worry Also, I'm sure they would let you do an additional shift or float once in a while, so you could keep up your NICU experience.
Good luck!
Kate

[OhDannyGirl]

Steve,

You have to go! I left a job where I loved everyone I worked with including the Docs to follow my heart to the NICU. It was a Mon-Fri position with no weekend/holidays. I don't regret it for a minute. Occasionally I'll work a shift to help them out in a staffing crunch. They love seeing me as much as I love seeing them. My only wish is they could all follow me to the NICU.

Best of luck to you!!!!