L&D nurse interested in NICU

Published

I'm a new grad in LDRP, so I am learning everything from Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, Nursery, to L&D Triage. I am enjoying a lot of aspects of this position but I still have my heart set on the NICU. I've never imagined L&D to be as stressful as it is. I feel like it is more like an ER for pregnant women. You never know what walks through those doors.

Is NICU as stressful as L&D? Has anyone worked both?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

NICU is just as stressful, like you, we never know what is walking thru our back door to get admitted! They can send you an obs kid that starts off just transitioning and within a few hours end up intubated, on gtts, nitric and looking bad. We are getting the end product if what you see coming in lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

I have not worked either one, but my 2nd child spent 2 weeks in the NICU after she was born 7 weeks premature. The NICU has a different vibe from L&D--they (should) strive to keep it quiet, darkened, and calm. However, the you-know-what can hit the fan very quickly in there. Can you spend more time on nursery in your current job or transition to a PICU setting? Those might give you more exposure to the needs of sick kids than straight-up L&D. Also, shadow, shadow, shadow. Don't assume you'll like NICU until you spend some time there. It's a very specialized environment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

This post is old, so I don't know if you've made a decision or are still thinking on it, but yes, like any ICU, NICU is stressful. More or less so depending on the level and type of patients the NICU you'd be working in receives. Sick babies can be just as sick or sicker than some sick adults.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion