From med-surg to NICU?

[CTRN2679]

Hello all....I wasn't sure exactly which forum would be best to post this to, so I'm posting it here. I am a new grad nurse and just began working on a med-surg floor. I'm only in my 7th week (still on orientation) and I feel as though I'm close to having a nervous breakdown over it. I agreed to start on med-surg only because I wasn't certain which area I wanted to specialize in, but in this short period of time I have realized med-surg is definitely not for me. Now, all I can think about is wanting to work in a NICU. I realize the patients would be much more acute, but I prefer the idea of providing intense care to fewer patients than running around like a crazy person, trying to provide general care to 4-6 patients. I also prefer to work with babies than adults.

I know there are two schools of thought when it comes to doing med-surg first as a new grad....some really believe in it, but others say you don't need it for NICU. Any advice on what I should do? Should I try to stick it out on med-surg for maybe at least 6 months or try to move to a NICU immediately (not that I see any jobs available for that!). I hate feeling like a quitter.

Also, can anyone tell me if NICU is a competitive speciality? Just wondering, because I haven't seen any NICU job openings listed at any of the hospitals in my area of Connecticut.

Thanks for letting me get all this out....it's been a bad week.

[joseash]

I, too, am a med-surg nurse thinking about making a move to NICU. Unlike you though, I don't hate my current job. I actually like it just fine but want to make a change down the road and go in a whole different direction. But anyway, on to your situation.....

Just my opinion but I don't think you've been at your current job long enough to know what it's really like. Honestly. In the long run, you may be right, med-surg may not be your thing but after only 7 weeks, you're still just beginning to get an understanding of what's going on. That said,

I don't think it's a good idea to jump ship so early in the game unless you've already talked to your manager about it and she is okay with it. Most places put a lot of time and money into training new grads and expect you to pay them back with at least a six month to one year commitment. If you can transfer within the same system to the NICU and your manager gives the blessing, then go for it. Otherwise, I personally would be hesitant to make any kind of move before holding up your end of the bargain as a new nurse.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with going straight from school to a specialty like NICU but you also can't go wrong with getting a bit of med-surg experience under your belt either. And since you've apparently already started traveling down that road, well, I think I'd stick with it a bit longer. But again, just my . If the perfect NICU opportunity were to arise, I know it would be very hard for you to pass up and I can totally understand that! Just don't burn any bridges, know what I mean?

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

Only 7 weeks into NICU, I wanted out of that, too! Give it a shot before you start hopping around. It takes a WHILE to get used to being a ' real nurse'.

[JunebugRN28]

Oh do I ever feel your pain!! I was exactly where you are just about a year ago. Being a new nurse is VERY difficult at times. It is a whole new world. I have been working on a medical unit for almost a year now, with the plan to apply to NICUs once that year is up (just started applying now). Back then, I didn't know how I was going to make it, but trust me, things got a lot better. Starting any new nursing job is difficult, but it gets better with time. I don't absolutely love my job now, but I like it and I love my co-workers. I no longer dread going to work and worry about "what if this/that happens." Anyhow . . .

I guess what you do depends on your situation. I would probably stick it out for at least 6 months and then start looking for NICU jobs (in some places these positions can be few and far between). If you do see a position, I would then apply. Just look into your hospitals policy for how long they want you to work there before you transfer (this will give you a better idea of how long they expect/would like you to stay at the facility). As another poster said, you really don't want to burn any bridges. You just never know what you will want/where you will want to work in the future. Good luck to you!! Remember it gets better & we have all been there!

[LittleWing21, RN]

My goodness CTRN, I could have written that post myself!!!!!!! I too started med/surg to gain experience. I am about 10 weeks in and almost done with my orientation. Two wks ago, I told my floor educator that I didn't think it was a good fit. I told her I'd like to transfer, and if not, try nights (which I heard were less hectic). She asked me to try nights, and since I am VERY grateful for the opportunity they gave me, I switched.

It IS less hectic on nights, but I'm still not feeling it. I had a 400+ lb lady with sepsis the other night and all I could think was "this is not my passion!!" Now I'm debating telling my manager that I do want to transfer to NICU.

My advice to you is to be open with whichever manager you feel most comfortable with (assistant, head, educator, whoever!) Just be completely honest about how you feel and make sure he/she knows how thankful you are for the training. It does typically come out of the unit's budget HOWEVER all units get they're money from the same place. I don't see what it can't be sort of "transfered over."

I'm pretty lucky, my educator/hospital is big on "finding the right fit" for the person. Sorry the long post, I just can soooo relate! Good luck with your decision!!

[ScammRNC]

I started and spent 3 years on a Med-Surg floor. While it was an overwhelming experience at the beginning, I "got the hang of it" after a few months. I just think you need to give it a while longer because in my opinion it is a valuable learning experience. I wouldn't change my decision to come to the NICU at all, but ended up being grateful for the time I spent on Med-Surg. In the end, you have to do right is right for you.