Job Decision -Please offer advise

[gapeach69]

I have a 4 yr Hx in adult ICU/CCU - I felt burned out & left. Started working Part-time in an Oncology Doctor's Office. Needless to say it is a very lush job.

Bought a new home & need Full-time work, so applied back to the hospital that I came from - was offered a position in the Newborn Nursery. The pay is exactly the same as the MD office, except at the hospital I don't receive any benefits in Liue of more pay -that means no vaca/sick leave. When I told the MD office they then offered me Full-time.

Also, I have applied to a N.P. program that starts in Spring "07". I would like some input from any nurses that have worked in the Nursery or have come from adult ICU to nursery work. There seems to be a variety of learning opportunities like teaching lamaze/breastfeeding,etc. but I am concerned about not having benefits. I am also concerned w/ leaving the MD office and finding that I'm not happy in the nursery, although every nurse I have spoke w/ states that the nursery is great & you will never want to leave!

I really am trying to find my niche -I've been a RN 5 yrs (LPN 13yrs) -I'm wondering what a shift is like in the nursery, and wondering what if this is my niche! I have one week to make a decision :0( and let them know.

Any advice is appreciated.

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

Are you talking about transferring to the NICU or to newborn nursery? There is a world of difference. I have met many adult ICU nurses who switched to NICU and have wondered why they didn't do it sooner. Nursery, on the other hand, might not be as satisfying for you with all your experience.

[gapeach69]

Yes, I was told they would start me out in Newborn Nursery & I would cross train w/ NICU. I don't know whether to give up what I know, my routineat the doctors office or go for it! find my niche like everyone else that posts here & love it soo much & never look back!

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

Would you mainly be working in the nursery? And then just float to NICU when needed? I just ask that because I agree with Gompers that nursery might not be as satisfying and you might become bored.

I worked in a nursery for 6 months after I graduated ..... and it was a great learning experience to get my feet wet. I learned great assessment and organizational skills. But I can totally see how an experienced nurse (especially coming from an ICU background) would get bored working in a nursery. It was never slow and we were always busy .... but it was more like babysitting all night. It really depends on what kind of work you want to do though .....

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

If NP is your ultimate goal...which job would give you the flexibility that you will need? Is adult NP what you want to do, or pediatric NP? Both of these should play into what you might want to do also.

Good luck.