Adult ICU to NICU?

[SillyFever, ADN, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone,

Just was wondering if any nurse on here has ever worked adult ICU and switched over to the NICU? Where I live, the hospitals typically do not hire new grads or have a nurse residency for the NICU or any pediatric positions for that matter. The recruiters I have talked to mentioned that these positions always need at least 1 year of RN experience. So, I accepted a position in the adult ICU float pool at a level 1 adult/pediatric trauma center. I am hoping this will give me some edge to when I apply for NICU later on (even though they are completely different specialties).

Pretty much just wanted to know if anyone here has transitioned from the adult ICU population to the NICU. Any advice would be helpful!

Thanks!

[Nina Kelli RN, ASN]

This is what I did. I couldn’t get into NICU as a new grad so I went to adult ICU for one year then transferred. I’m just finishing my NICU orientation.

[SillyFever, ADN, BSN, RN]

1 hour ago, Nina Kelli RN said:

This is what I did. I couldn’t get into NICU as a new grad so I went to adult ICU for one year then transferred. I’m just finishing my NICU orientation.

How do you like it so far?!
I’m in the same predicament as you were. I am starting in Adult ICU and hope to transfer at some point after a year.

[NICURNSF]

I think you will be absolutely fine.  Most NICU Managers will respect your ICU experience and be fine with hiring a nurse with Adult ICU experience into the NICU.  Just be sure to let them know you wanted NICU from day one but pivoted to adult ICU because of the circumstances.  Best of luck!