NICU or L&D?? HELP!

Nurses Career Support

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I am a new grad nurse and was recently offered a L&D nurse intern position and I was really excited and accepted it but then a week later I was offered a NICU nurse intern position and now I don't know which one i would rather do! I would be happy in both!! So I was wondering if any nurses had any advice on what I should choose. I didn't think I'd even have one option let alone another one and I want to make the right decision!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

If you don't have a preference and already accepted one, go with the one that you already accepted.

If that doesn't sit well with you, then take the other position, since that must be the one you really want.

What will your orientation consist of? If one has a longer more extensive orientation, that is the job to go with unless you really like one specialty over the other.

Also, if you care about shifts (unless they are both nights) that can factor into your decision as well.

Travel time can also make a difference (especially if you will be working nights).

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Thank you for your advice! The NICU job is about 15-20 min closer than L&D. The L&D is at a smaller hosp and NICU is at a larger hospital I don't know if that makes a difference or not. But the orientation/internship for both are around 16-18 weeks. And both are most likely for nights. I know I would be happy in L&D but something keeps drawing me back to NICU but I just don't want to regret my decision. :(

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Any advice on how to get new grad offers in these specialties? How exciting!!

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I just applied to mostly new grad nurse internships so they were more likely to hire new grads!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Sounds like your heart is with NICU!

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I personally would go with NICU. Even 15-20 min closer to home makes a HUGE difference with nights!!

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Newnurse2323

I have been a NICU RN for the past 20+ years and was lucky enough to start as a new grad. I have never regretted my choice once.

I love working in the NICU and am happy every day that i'm at work.

You probably can't go wrong with either choice. They are both great areas and the fact that you got in a training program is awesome.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!!

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Thank you so much for your advice! I will definitely let you know!

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Specializes in Public Health, Med/Surg.

It sounds like either position would suit you. Did you verbally accept the first offer? Or have you signed any sort of new hire contract? Those might be things to take into consideration. Not sure what the terms would be to "bow out" of the first job offer.

Talk to a L&D and also NICU nurse if you are able to, about pros and cons of starting as a new grad in either specialty. Their advice may help you make your decision. If you feel NICU is truly where you want to be, go for it. Either way, congratulations! Both sound like exciting opportunities for you.

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