Both adult and peds?

[Chelonophile]

I am currently a nursing student, nearly ready to graduate.

I'm very pulled to ICU/Critical care areas of nursing, but I'm very torn between peds and adult nursing.

Is there a job that you can work with both populations in? I know maybe in some smaller hospitals with combined units.

Do you think it's feasible or safe to work with both populations - maybe with two jobs or one part time/one PRN position (or any set up like that)?

I just really like all populations and can't seem to decide on just one. I know I need to go in and get my experience starting in one area only, this is all just thoughts for my future.

Thank you in advance for any help, advice or input!

[LessValuableNinja]

Smaller ICUs may have both peds and adult.

However, they generally have less critical patients.

I know people who work full time in adult or peds and prn in the other, but they all have full time experience in both.

Depending on the area, it's often more competitive as a new grad to get a peds ICU position. It's easier to transition from peds to adult, since old kids are more similar to adults than adults are to toddlers. If I had your desires, I'd probably aim at peds ICU residencies, get some experience, then get adult experience.

You can go the other direction but there are more roadblocks. You can also go dual adult peds ICU first, but again, more roadblocks due to decreased acuity.

[J&B-RN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I've only ever worked in large level 1 Truama ICU's and both jobs the ICU's have both adult and peds. They are out there if you look for them.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Burn ICUs typically have both peds and adults.