Has anyone gone from L&D to NICU or viceversa?

[Shanlee79]

Hello,

Just curious if any current NICU nurses have started off in L&D area and made the move or vice versa...or work both??

I just had a visit at the hospital where I am doing my preceptorship in Jan. and the Mgr of NICU explained that commonly if she has no openings there, they often hire new grads into the Woman/child float pool. I enjoyed my L&D rotation, of course it was only a small glimpse into the role while I was there. Looking for pros & cons, as I am not sure if I would want to go this route.

Thanks in advance!

[Bobbkat]

I work with several nurses that worked in L and D before coming to the NICU. I don't have anymore info than that though, since I didn't follow that path, myself. I can imagine that the newborn assessment skills learned in each area would give you an edge when interviewing to switch into either area.

[mnbrn]

I went from NICU to Maternal/Newborn (not L and D). I like it. My NICU was at a major children's hospital, with high level care, such as ECMO. NICU is wonderful, we see so many good outcomes. But, it is also very stressful and draining, we also see very bad outcomes. I loved working with the parents, the fast pace, attention to detail, etc.

I made the switch to Postpartum and High Risk Ante-partum care. I am enjoying the change. My ICU background has been useful.

Do you have any specific questions? Good luck!

[Shanlee79]

I went from NICU to Maternal/Newborn (not L and D). I like it. My NICU was at a major children's hospital, with high level care, such as ECMO. NICU is wonderful, we see so many good outcomes. But, it is also very stressful and draining, we also see very bad outcomes. I loved working with the parents, the fast pace, attention to detail, etc.

I made the switch to Postpartum and High Risk Ante-partum care. I am enjoying the change. My ICU background has been useful.

Do you have any specific questions? Good luck!

Thanks for your reply! My practicum will be at our major children's hospital NICU too. I spoke to some new grads that were hired into that unit who advised me that if you get hired on, you must take the 9 month critical care course (which is paid), in turn for a 2 year min. service agreement. At this moment I do not know if I can commit to 3 yrs, as we may plan to start a family in that time (as I will be 33, when I graduate). This is where the unit mgr recommended doing the OB/GYN route.

I can see what you mean, in that it is stressful and draining...I guess I won't truly know how I will handle that or where to go next until I experience it for myself. So, I guess I do not have specific questions at this time, just wanted to gain a sense of what nurses loved and disliked about NICU, or OB/GYN to help me figure out what the best path may be to start with.

[mnbrn]

I think things happen for a reason. See what doors open to you, and what your gut says.

I was lucky, a NICU was hiring a few new grads, and gave us special course work and unit training. Later, I went to the larger NICU I mentioned. I love NICU, but felt it was time for a change. My current OB/GYN positioned opened up right when I needed it. Meant to be. Hope the same happens for you!