Are there any Adult ICU nurses who switched to NICU out there?

Published

Specializes in Adult ICU, Neonatal ICU.

Hello everyone! I am very interested in switching to the NICU from adult ICU. I was just wondering what the transition was like for you. Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

I'm haven't walked in their shoes, but I work with quite a few nurses who worked in AICU, and one who still does (part-time AICU, part-time NICU). I know that there is quite difference in mind-set as far as care goes. The gal who currently does AICU and NICU says NICU is "easier", whatever that means!

Sorry I can't give specifics, but point being, it has been done! Good luck to you :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
The gal who currently does AICU and NICU says NICU is "easier", whatever that means!

I imagine it means she can lift her patients alone, sometimes with one hand. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult ICU, Neonatal ICU.

I'm worried about the "easier" thing...It's not the first time I've heard it. And it didn't have to do with turning the pts. No offense to those out there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The only thing easier is moving your patient. Your stable 35 weeker can perf his gut in the blink of an eye and before you know it he is intubated and put on HFOV,on dopa, dobute, hydrocortisone, morphine, pavulon,versed with a dobhoff sucking out bile and you're pushing him to stat surgery. Those that think they will rock babies all day soon wake up from that dream.

I did adult ICU for several years before making the jump. It takes time to get used to the different vitals range (BP 50/20??!!!) and drug dosages (.07 of morphine??!!!)

And the focus is primarily on pulmonary, rather than cardiac issues that you face with adults most of the time.

You already have the basics down.Time managment, prioritizing, your critical care inner voice. Those take time to develope. The rest will come easy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult ICU, Neonatal ICU.

Thank you DawnGloves for your awesome input. It is greatly appreciated. Do you feel like you've found your niche? :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Absolutly! I am so glad I made the switch. I'll never go back to adults if I can help it. I should have gone with my gut and started NICU right out of nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob; nicu.

Takes A While To Transfer The Mindset Of Adult Nursing To Neonatal Nursing. Totally Different. It Is Like Starting Out All Over Again. Prioritizing And Charging Are Skills That Will Come In Handy, However The Little Ones Are More Complicated Imho

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion