First New Grad Job: Mixed feelings

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Hello! This is my first post. I recently graduated with my BSN and haven't taken my NCLEX just yet. I was offered a job in the NICU, with a 3 year contract and I said yes today. Well, I'm not as happy as you would think. First, I wanted nothing more than to be an L&D nurse. That was what excited me. I loved my clinicals and loved studying OB. I did my preceptorship in L&D, I was the only one in my cohort to do the preceptorship in L&D!. Long story short, I interviewed for the L&D position and did not receive it! I was so upset and confused! I though I did everything I could to get this job! I said yes to the NICU job with the hopes of getting into L&D after the 3 year contract, but I'm almost thinking about saying no, and getting another job until they hire for L&D again. Don't get me wrong, I loved the NICU too, but I longed to be on the L&D floor. I love the babies and I love helping them but I'm just afraid I'm going to be bitter watching other classmates do the job that I wanted so bad and was their second choice. I'm afraid of loosing my assessment skills on adults.

I'm just so heart broken I'm not sure what to do and I need some advice!

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Hello!

I feel like I am in the same position as you. I want to be in a certain specialty but have to settle for something else because that's what my circumstances are at the moment. I think getting your foot in the door with NICU then going to L&D when the position is open works out just fine. It's better getting a job working with a specialty that is somewhat in your favor than a job that is completely the opposite. If you're afraid you'll lose your adult assessment skills then continue studying and practicing. It may be harder said than done, but if you're truly passionate about L&D you'll do all that you can to prove others that's where you really belong! It's also really hard to not compare yourself to your classmates because girl I am right there with you, but we should remember our nursing journey is our own and shouldn't be compared to others. Hopefully this advice helps!

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Hello!

I feel like I am in the same position as you. I want to be in a certain specialty but have to settle for something else because that's what my circumstances are at the moment. I think getting your foot in the door with NICU then going to L&D when the position is open works out just fine. It's better getting a job working with a specialty that is somewhat in your favor than a job that is completely the opposite. If you're afraid you'll lose your adult assessment skills then continue studying and practicing. It may be harder said than done, but if you're truly passionate about L&D you'll do all that you can to prove others that's where you really belong! It's also really hard to not compare yourself to your classmates because girl I am right there with you, but we should remember our nursing journey is our own and shouldn't be compared to others. Hopefully this advice helps!

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Specializes in MICU, Burn ICU.

Does the same hospital have an L&D floor? Perhaps you can apply once there are openings or speak to someone about your interest. They should be more likely to hire internal.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

It's a disappointment but don't let it take away your joy.

You're a brand new nurse with so much opportunity ahead!

Embrace the NICU and see where it leads.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Do you have any other offers in hand? I would hate for you to say no and then only offered a position in LTC. LTC is really important work, but it doesn't transfer to L&D beyond basic assessment skills, basic time management skills, and the presence of lady partss and incontinence.

As a NICU nurse you'll be responding to high-risk births. An L&D RN wouldn't be the one assessing and intervening with that 24-week baby. Those skills would be a HUGE asset for a future L&D RN!

I will say as a never-L&D-RN-but-5x-OB-pt, I wouldn't worry about "losing your assessment skills." You simply won't forget the basics (i.e. the assessments we do with ANY pt), and most of the L&D specifics will be learned on the job. I had exactly zero hours in L&D during school; during my OB rotation the nursing students outnumbered the laboring women, so it simply wasn't possible for all of us. Even the book info (e.g. fetal monitoring, L&D-specific pharmacology, etc) will need to be reviewed, as it simply isn't practiced to the extent med-surg info is.

I personally would take this opportunity and RUN with it. :yes:

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