ICU to ER or L&D

[Meghan Leri]

So I’ve recently hit my one year mark as a nurse and am still in the ICU. After learning many skills and becoming more comfortable in nursing, I’ve decided it may be time to move on to another job. There have also been a lot of management issues on my unit which are pushing some people out.

Im starting FNP school in the Fall (part time) and online. I’ve applied to both a labor and delivery position and ED position at my hospital, and got offers from both! I’ve always been interested in women’s health, and have even thought of working for an OB/Gyn after grad school, so that’s why I applied to L&D. However the ED manager told me that I could work mostly day shift which is huge for me because my body doesn’t do well on nights. I’m struggling with making a decision. I know the ED at my hospital sees a lot of gyn patients (it’s a women’s hospital), but I’m not sure if I’ll get enough of the experience that I want. Although it could help me more with my FNP program.

Any advice?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Sometimes you have to suffer a bit for what you want. If your heart is in women's health, then pursue that opportunity.

Be sure to look at your local economy before starting your FNP program. Where I live, they are having a lot of trouble finding work because the market is saturated. ACNPs are faring better.