From trauma surgical ICU to L&D?

[julia j]

I started August 2020 in a trauma surgical ICU. I am almost at my year mark and I absolutely hate it. I am so burnt out. I wonder why I am even a nurse at this point. I hate seeing people at their worst and dying. I thought I’d enjoy helping someone during such a vulnerable time. I hate being over worked, under staffed, no team work, Dr. who get mad at you for every little things and you’re too afraid to call them. I have learned a lot, but I just don’t think my unit/specialty is the right match for me. I just have a really hard time putting into words what exactly makes me so unhappy or in a professional way that doesn’t sound like I’m just complaining. I just know I dread going into work, I second guess my whole shift on my way home, and I’m just all around unhappy with my career. 

lately I’ve been thinking about going into L&D instead. I loved my L&D rotation. There was something so magical/beautiful about being apart of bringing a new life into this world. Although per facility protocol you have to be there a year before you can lateral transfer, I finally got the courage to go ahead an apply for an open position in L&D. I have no problem with them “making me wait” until a full year to start L&D, but I’m so nervous in an interview they’re going to ask me why I want to transfer out of ICU without me sounding like an idiot who can’t explain professionally why I want a change. I also don’t want to sound like a job hopper who can’t figure out where she wants to work. 

Any advice on interview tips for making this kind speciality change and how to talk to my unit manager if I do get offered a position?