Should I change the direction of my career already??

Nurses Career Support

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Hello all

I recently started as a RN in a NICU this year and i am starting to doubt that hospital nursing is the right direction for me. I enjoy my patient population but I'm still not totally sure if being in the hospital is what I want to do. I just don't think I'm made for it. Does anyone have any other ideas in the nursing world i can look into and should I consider changing the direction? Many people told me it's too early in me starting to know for sure if I like it. I don't know which way to go but i know I'm incredibly overwhelmed and having increased anxiety attacks every time I go to work. Would maybe switching to a lower level NICU be an option or is just the hospital situation not right. I don't know I guess I'm just looking for advice or someone who may have had a similar situation. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Do you have the option of stepping down a NICU level? That seems like a good first step.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Based on my own experience, NICU is actually the most predictable, scheduled & organized critical care area.... nothing like the chaos of adult ICU areas with their much more extensive spectrum of diagnoses, interventions & patient population. I would suggest engaging in some self-reflection to try to pinpoint what situations/events are most problematic for you. If these are 'deal breakers' for you -- it would at least be easier for you to find a work environment that could minimize your exposure to them.

I didn't care for NICU either. For me, it was due to ethical issues & conflict with my personal values. I happily scampered back to adult ICU (my happy place) as soon as I could.

Best of luck to you in finding your own 'home' work setting.

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