CVICU and NICU?

[kht124]

Im a new grad RN working in cvicu since January. I am looking to get a prn job since i only work 3 times a week and would like to do something fruitful with my time off (not much of a party person). I do study a few hours a day on my days off, but feel like I have too much time on my hand still. I liked NICU and maternal newborn a lot during nursing school. I am thinking about applying for a prn position in NICU...either that or high risk labor and delivery. My question is: is this a good idea? I would really like to pursue this, but I know that adult icu is different from nicu and l&d. Also, anyone doing both adult icu and nicu or adult icu and high risk l&d? If so, any tips?

[FlyingScot, RN]

I'm fairly certain you will have a hard time finding a PRN position in either if these areas without any experience. Even if you did the orientation period would likely be rather lengthy and would conflict with your regular job schedule.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Where I work, we only hire PRN's into NICU or high risk L/D if they are experienced. You have to have NRP, STABLE for both and fetal monitoring for L/D. We don't give a full orientation to PRNs either, usually about 2 weeks just to get our routines and protocols down.