Experience needed?

You would probably be better off with the Women's health experience so at least you would have some exposure to neonates. With a census that low and the fact that it is level II you won't really be getting a true NICU experience. If in 2 years you decide to work in a larger, higher level NICU you will likely need to go through a NICU internship even if you have 2 years experience as a nurse. The stepdown unit would be a great experience but it really won't help you in NICU and you would still have to go through a NICU internship eventually.

I think the Women's health position would be your best bet. It would look good on your resume when you do decide to work in a larger, level III unit.

Good luck!

I will both agree and disagree with HumbledNurse. :) It will be hard to get substantial even Level II experience in such a small unit. On the flip side, I worked in a (large) Level II for a few years before going to Level III, and this most DEFINITELY helped me as I transitioned to Level III. Yes, I still had lots of new things to learn, but my orientation was much shorter than a new grad or someone coming from adults. So I disagree that Level II experience won't help. On the other hand, we hire people who have worked with adults no problem. They end up having about the same orientation experience as new grads. But we wouldn't not hire them because that was their experience. We probably be interested in someone coming from adult ICU moreso than floors or stepdown, but it's no rule. :)