Heart in NICU place in ICU

[nicolasa]

Hello everyone, I am in need of advice.

I am a new graduate and was offered a position in an ICU unit, which includes a 6 month residency. It was a much desired unity by many students and I am fortunate to have the offer. Our hospital has a small level II NICU, which is what I dearly wanted, but was not offered the appointment. I really am a "baby nurse," and I hope to be an NNP someday. A little about me, I have an MS in chemistry, but chose to be full-time mom and went back to school when my children were older. I can intellectually do the ICU job, my heart is the problem.

I have not signed the contract yet. I'm ethically conflicted, they will invest 6 months into my training and I will likely try to transfer or move into a NICU once I fulfill my contract. It is a significant investment on their part and mine. I've asked my OB clinic instructor, she suggested I take the ICU job, do a good job, learn as much as I can, and then transfer into a NICU. However I fear this may be easier said than done.

(1) What should I do? (2) How receptive would a NICU be to an ICU nurse transferring into their unit.

Any advice would be helpful.

Thank you.

[MNNICU, RN]

I agree if there are no openings in the NICU or any others in the area take this job and learn learn learn. Some of what you learn will definitely be transferable (vent care, central lines, drips, codes). You will get used to a fast paced environment that requires a lot of attention and is an intensive care unit. I would think a NICU would be very happy to have an icu nurse. There are differences for sure, especially in regards to developmental cares and your dosages in regards to size of patients. Good luck!

[nicolasa]

Hello. Thank you. We plan to move in a couple of years to bigger city with several NICUs... and I'll apply and say a secret prayer. I feared being able to change trajectory.... You've made me feel better... Thank you.