OR vs NICU nursing

[maggieb14]

Hi all! My first post!

I am a new grad nurse, graduating in 2 months and have a job offer from OR and NICU at a pediatric hospital. I have been fantasizing about the OR since I was 8, but I was a baby in the NICU when I was born and would be honored to help families/babies through that difficult time.

I would love to hear input of why you love/dislike the OR/NICU.

Thank you!!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! Here's a thread about pros and cons of the OR. You may also want to browse the specialty forums- there is a forum for each OR nursing and NICU nursing. Be sure to check out the FAQs tab in both of them.

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

What appeals to you about the OR? Because it's pretty much diametrically opposite to the NICU, so I imagine if you like one you won't much like the other. It's always nice to hear about former NICU babies coming full circle, but don't feel like you're obligated to.

[adpiRN]

I don't have much advice but those are two of my dream jobs so congratulations!!!

Are the jobs days or nights? (And which shift do you prefer?)

Is OR 12 hour shifts? (Some do 8s or 10s). Does the OR job require weekends, holidays or call?

[LACryptid, BSN, EMT-B]

Hi, I realize this post is ancient but I’m curious about which path you chose? I’m considering both of these specialties too. 

[Casantos1212, BSN]

On 10/8/2020 at 12:12 AM, LACryptid said:

Hi, I realize this post is ancient but I’m curious about which path you chose? I’m considering both of these specialties too. 

LOL, I’m also going to comment here in case someone replies because I’m considering both of these specialities right now too!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

@LACryptid and @Casantos1212, I'm not too familiar with what's available in the NICU forum, but please check out the OR forum under specialties. Some threads I point folks to when asking about what it's like to be a nurse in the OR are:

 

[LACryptid, BSN, EMT-B]

Thank you Rose Queen! ?