Icu Nurse To Nicu Nurse

[ANGIEICU]

I have been an ICU nurse for 7 years and have always had an interest in NICU. I was wondering if any of you had experience with people like me, wanting to transfer into NICU after working with the world of adults for so long. I have applied for a transfer to the NICU and want to make sure I am making the right decision. Thanks.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

I've only known a few ICU nurses that made the change but they have all done well. One I remember in particular was a Trauma ICU nurse that started at the same time as myself and she had a flawless transition. I came from cardiac nursing (not ICU) to NICU and really like it. The feedback I got from my preceptors is that I did quite well in transitioning.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

I can tell you that every adult ICU nurse I've seen come into the NICU...never leaves. They can't imagine going back to adults! There are just too many benefits to the NICU.

The one thing I have noticed is that, while they tend to make the transition faster because they have previous ICU experience, they have a hard time changing mindsets and "unlearning" a lot of the stuff from adult care.

If you feel a pull towards the NICU, it's probably for a reason. You'll love it there, and I hope you get that new position! Good luck!

[andi2634]

I worked adult cardiac surgery ICU for about 2 years and recently made the change to a level 3 NICU- and absolutely love it! It was a really difficult transition for me- I felt like a new grad all over again- you really do have to relearn a lot of what you know but now that I'm out of orientation and beginning to get a little more confidence I know I made the right decision. I love my job more with every shift. If you are feeling the pull towards NICU go for it! It was the best decision I've made. Good luck!