Anyone work in a Pediatric CVICU as an APRN?

[irish_rainbow, BSN, MSN, DNP, NP]

Hello all,

I am graduating next week with my MNS in Acute Care Pediatrics as a nurse practitioner. One of the positions I have applied for is in the Pediatric CVICU. I did a clinical rotation there and liked it, however it can be stressful. They do a lot of cardiac surgeries, so many times the APRNs will readmit post-op cardiac repair or transplant patients from the cardiac OR. That definitely can be stressful since these patients are on pressors, sedation medications, intubated, etc.

I have 4 years of RN bedside experience in a Level III NICU and was wondering if anyone could give me tips on the transition (if it even happens... I have been told that I am on top of the list of those applying because I have ICU experience, but you never know what could happen). In my current unit, we deal with premature infants starting at 23 weeks and onward. We hang pressors (dopamine/dobutamine) if needed, give PRN sedation or have drips running (ex: Fentanyl or Morphine). We have patients ranging from intubated on the oscillator to totally fine on RA. I am not a complete stranger to many of the things that happen in CV... but the most I deal with in the NICU related specifically to CV is murmurs from PDA's and PFO's. We will try Indocin if appropriate, but we have to send them away for a ligation or other surgeries. Just trying to give you guys a little detail on my background.

I think it would be an interesting position, but I am not a CV expert and feel like it takes special, assertive personalities to work in the CV. Any tips, guidance, experiences that anyone can give? Am I a good match for this position? Thanks!