Thinking about working in NICU or PICU

[Mommy_of_3_in_AL..RN]

I graduate in December, and i have always had a desire to work with critical children. My only issue here is that, because my school does not offer us ANY opportunity to round in pediatric units, other than general med surg, my only experience in critical care is with adults. Mostly geriatric. Our school feels that this experience is not a necessary part of our education, even for the few of us who desire this field. So, my questions are:

1. People tell me that to be efficient in NICU i should start out in med surg to practice skills, but i dont understand this because if i am learning all my skills on adults, will it not be harder to transition to infants/children?

2. Am I at a huge disadvantage in getting this kind of job, due to my lack of training in this area, and lack of any previous medical experience?

I feel i am a compassionate person, who, although i am extremely saddened and hurt over a childs death, I also know that someone has to be there for them and the family. I want to be that person. I am willing to learn, be heartbroken, and cry with the best to acheive this, but i am so worried that my school has cheated me in the education i need for this field.

Any suggestions???

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

The only thing I think M/S would be helpful for is time mgt skills..and you can develop those in NICU. Most new grads going to NICU have no experience. I did, but it didn't help all that much.

[Mommy_of_3_in_AL..RN]

Thats my take on it to. Some people tell me that you can get in NICU as a new grad fairly easy because they can teach you from scratch, but some tell me you have to have experience..so i just dont know.

[tryingtohaveitall]

I went to a peds stepdown unit for a year and then to PICU. Originally, I didn't know I'd enjoy peds critical care but got a taste of the higher acuity and liked the adrenaline. :>) If that's what you're interested in, go for it!

Some things to consider about PICU, there are days (sometimes weeks or months) when they'll break your heart. Yet, there are AMAZING stories of kids' miraculous recoveries. It's pretty intense and we get everything from the 2 week old who returned septic or with a previously undiagnosed coarctation, to the 20 year old CP kid who arrested at home. There is a huge variety in diagnoses and ages but that's actually one of the things I enjoy.

GL making your decision!

[Mommy_of_3_in_AL..RN]

I havent really decided between NICU or PICU. I like the smaller nurse/patient ratio, but am afraid of getting to involved with patients and family. I know you are supposed to get somewhat involved, but I am afraid that i will get to wrapped up to provide appropriate care. Hopefully that is something i will overcome. I have three young children at home, and i am worried that i will hurt when things go bad, regardless of the happy times. I have seen alot of friends and family members in both units and desire to be as good as the nurses that cared for them, although they were not always good outcomes. We will see. I think i may get with a few hospitals and see about shadowing their nurses to see what i think, since my school does not offer that opportunity. We shall see!!