First Job...Confused! Help Please!

Nurses Career Support

Published

Hello! I have several options, 3 of which are residencies I'm considering and I'm very confused. All help appreciated!!!

1.) NICU-I would love to work with babies, but want to do the delivery side. NICU nurse on deliveries would be great, but would be a year or so out. It pays significantly more and is in a world-known maternity and neonatal hospital.

2.) L&D-Instantly get the delivery side, but less baby nursing. Also less money and in a smaller hospital, but opporunities for growth.

What do you love about NICU and L&D nursing? What do you not love? If you've done both, your insight to that is extra appreciated.

Is is it easier to start in a NICU and one day go L&D or start in L&D and one day go NICU? Ultimately I think I want to experience both. Which is typically the best approach? Thank you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg.

I can't help with the L&D vs NICU side of things but when I was deciding between residencies in different specialties I looked at the type of education and training I would receive. I didn't want a job where I felt ill prepared so I opted for the position with classroom training in addition to a floor preceptorship. As I'm sure you've heard, you learn everything nursing school did not teach you with your first RN position so make sure you choose the best learning opportunity :)

I personally would opt for NICU as it seems the transition to L&D would be easier rather than the other way around; I also think the more prominent hospital may offer you great training. But I'm no expert so I look forward to others answering either way good luck and congrats!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! I appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment