Just Curious about NICU/Peds

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I am going to be starting my first semester of nursing school in January and I am curious as to what some of your experiences have been in NICU/Peds type areas. I am almost 100% sure that I would like to work with babies or children and wanted to get some insight on how you got into the field, if you started as a new grad, if you can get a position in these areas with an ADN as opposed to a BSN, what the best and worst parts of your job are, etc. Thank you so much in advance! I'm just very excited about becoming a nurse and would like to know as much as I can in advance!:heartbeat

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I graduated in 2006 and went directly into pediatric nursing at CHOA. I had no problems finding a job with them as a new graduate and their new grad program is excellent. They even have a floating preceptor at night you can call whenever you need her/him. I have an ADN and my motto is a nurse is a nurse is a nurse no matter what their degree is. If you do decide to get your ADN though don't stop....keep going at least until you get your BSN especially if you plan on going into management or want to teach one day!

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Thank you so much for the response! I'm getting my ADN and will definitely eventually pursue my BSN. I would love to work at CHOA and hope I can get into their new grad program in 2010.

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I am a RN and had a baby this year that spent 10 days in the NICU. Just wanted to say that it seems to be a psychologically demanding field. You deal with alot of emoitional issues with the family of the babies. (Trust me I needed it LOL) The nurses seemed to all enjoy their jobs though. I can tell working with those babies and doing their day to day care is no joke, it must takes lots of specialized training. I think that is field where you have to def have a calling to it- I think the rewards have to be incredible though. Alot of the nurses I talked to have been working there for years and years and loved what they do. All the nurses that took care of me and my child were incredible. I think Peds would be great too though. :) good luck

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I agree with you that it will be very hard at times, but I think it's just where I would thrive. I've always adored babies and children in general and as hard as it would be to see them suffer, knowing that I'm helping them would make up for it. I hope your baby is doing wonderful! It's good to know you received such great care, that's the kind of nurse I would like to be someday.

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