Critical Care RN to OB??

[PyshRN]

So, here is the story...

At the time I first interviewed for a position at the hospital, I was told it was for an OB position. When I showed up for the interview, I was told the position had been filled, but there were several openings on different units where I could work until an OB position opened. I chose a critical care unit and have now been working there for over a year. Now, my questions...

1. How hard will it be to make the transition into OB from critical care?

And assuming I get the opportunity to transfer to OB...

2. What do I tell people when they look at me like I'm crazy (or so I'm told) for wanting to do a "total 360" in nursing?

I'm glad I was able to gain experience in critical care. It really helped me work on assessment skills, and helped me learn to be comfortable with things when they go wrong. I'm just looking for some feedback... thanks in advance.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Who cares what people say!!! I did exactly what you are contemplating and it was the best move I ever made. OB is where I belong. I loved critical care and it helped me tremendously in transitioning to OB. Critical thinking is what it is all about in OB. Use your skills and build new ones. Good luck!!!!!!!!

[ABQLNDRN]

I suspect that others were saying you'd be doing a "360" because sometimes we OB nurses are not viewed as being "real" nurses. Of course, we are very real nurses. OB is a different kind of nursing than med/surg (although we do see plenty of med/surg issues), ICUs (though we do take care of high-risk patients on Magnesium), etc. I have, many times, seen moms need medical, and sometimes surgical, intervention to stop life-threatening postpartum bleeding. I have also had to send newborns that were initailly stable to the NICU. We have an important and necessary place in nursing.

It was difficult for me to come to terms with the way we are viewed, but I am happy with where I work. I love working with both newly-delivered moms and newborns. I am in my element. Though I, like many others, do have days that grate my nerves at work, I can honestly say I love my job.

I encourage you to do what makes you happy.

[GilaRRT]

I think the transition from ICU to OB would not be difficult and visa versa. I have always considered OB a form of critical care. You hang highly potent medications, perform advanced monitoring techniques, and deal with critical patients. The focus of care is a little south of the heart when talking OB versus ICU however.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I have seen many CCU/ICU and med-surg nurses make a smooth transition into OB and were EXCELLENT assets. GO FOR IT!!!!!