Devastated about my recent preceptorship placement in med surg

[SF BSN2b]

Hi everyone,

I am a BSN student from the Bay Area planning to relocate to Denver, CO once I graduate in May. Although I put the NICU as my only senior preceptorship choice, my school was not able to find a placement for me and put me to med-surg. I am absolutely devastated, and I just cannot stop thinking about how my career goals are falling apart.

My plan is to apply to new grad NICU programs in Denver Metro, but now I am at such disadvantage.

Do you think my med-surg preceptorship will make it much harder to land a NICU job (or get into the program)? Maybe some of you ladies and gents also know how hard it is to get a job in Denver in general?

Thank you!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I haven't heard that term since my sorority days in undergrad! Gave me a good chuckle as it's so appropriate.

I couldn't sleep one day and so was rambling around my alma mater's website. I learned that sorority rush changed since the days I was in college. I also learned that what I had done during rush was in fact a suicide bid, though I didn't know it at the time. And luckily I lucked out and got the bid.

So the phrase was in my head when I typed my reply. I don't recommend people do it with preceptorships though.

[Wuzzie]

Wow, thanks again for such thorough and realistic responses! I truly appreciate each one of them.

Firstly, I sure feel less disappointed about my placement than 3 days ago. English is not my first language, so yeah, maybe the word "devastated" was a bit too much. Secondly, I spoke to my ICU and L/D clinical instructors today, who offered to give me amazing letters of recommendations and to be my references. I went ahead and filled out all the paperwork for my med-surg placement, and I am ready to rock it! You are right, it is my opportunity, and not a difficulty! I will learn as much as I can, and I will make sure to make it a positive experience both for me, and my preceptor. Thanks for inspiring students like myself!

This response should be made a sticky so all the posters who get so butt-hurt about realistic, and sometimes tough-love, answers can learn from it. This has got to be one of the most mature and professional posts I have seen in a long time. OP, your ability to self-reflect, your optimism, open mind and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done will make you an asset to your team and a pleasure to work with. Keep this up and you will be successful at whatever you do. The fact that you also thought about your preceptor is just icing on the cake. I'd precept you in a heartbeat!

[RNnicu4]

Try not to be so discouraged so early. I work with a lot of nurses who have varied backgrounds and have transitioned into the NICU just fine. I think diversity in experience is a good thing - not something that will hinder your future. I started as a new grad and some of us had NICU placements in school and others had not. I also work with experienced nurses who transitioned from other areas (be it adults, other peds, etc.) and bring a lot of knowledge that you don't get if you work one specialty for your entire career.

I was a little apprehensive about adult med/surg in nursing school but ended up enjoying it a lot! If nothing else you will get good practice interacting with and caring for adults and families in stressful situations (just being hospitalized is stressful). All of your future NICU patients will come with adults who are experiencing some of the greatest stress of their lives! :)