Male Adult ICU Nurse Transition to NICU

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Specializes in ICU.

Hey everyone,

I am a relatively new nurse with two years of adult ICU experience. I recently have been blessed with my first son, who recovered after being in the NICU. The time I spent there really was eye-opening to me and sparked a strong interest to switch from adult nursing to neonatal. 

I feel as though I am a very strong ICU nurse for my young nursing age, but I don't find it as fulfilling as I hoped I would. I find that we get into many situations where the work that we do isn't very satisfying, and can sometimes feel even pointless or torturous to the patients. I know that in the NICU, the work that I do would always feel purposeful, even if the outcomes are not desirable. Everyone that I spoke with in this particilar NICU (Level 3) had wonderful things to say about their jobs and satisfaction.

What advice would you guys offer me in terms of knowing if this is the right move for me? Is this an area that is generally accepting of males? Am I letting my experience and love for my son cloud my judgment? Let me know what you all think and if you or anyone else you know have made a similar switch.

Thanks in advance!

 

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Specializes in Cardiovascular and NICU.

I encourage anyone who has a strong passion for neonates and families to work in the NICU. If you can get into a level 3 or 4 NICU you will see those critical babies that you think of when you think of NICU. Otherwise, it really is just caring for feeders and growers (which I also love caring for). Lots of education for families. In the NICU I work in we have 2 male RNs and I think it would be wonderful to have more male nurses in this specialty.

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Specializes in NICU.

We have a few males in our NICU. I would suggest trying to get into a level 3 or higher NICU (I think you have level 4 in the states?) because you will see more critical babies and "true ICU" patients there. I would say generally it is a happy place. But there are a lot of ethical dilemmas I encounter which make it difficult...such as saving 22 weekers, torturing them for a week only for them to die anyway. Doing everything for babies with bilateral grade IV IVH and the parents have no idea what they're in for, parents who don't come etc. But I would say its generally more happy than sad.

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Specializes in NICU.
On 1/17/2021 at 8:03 PM, Ryzzle_T said:

Is this an area that is generally accepting of males?

In my case, NICU as been very accepting of me. I have never had an issue with parents, co-workers, or medical staff. My unit has had a range of 1-3 male nurses employed on our unit (300 nurse unit) . Currently, there are two of us on our unit. The other male will be moving to nights in a few months.

I agree with the comments above, Level III NICU will get you the true critical patients. Level IV adds surgical patients. I was fortunate to be able to start as a new grad in a 103 bed Level IV NICU. 

I am a lifer. I started my career in NICU and will end my career in NICU. A very common phase repeated by NICU nurses is "I don't do big people". I am very content changing a 2 pound baby's diaper rather than changing a 300 pound adult's diaper. 

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Specializes in NICU.

I really did not see any problems with male nicu nurses although most were floaters from Peds unit,except for management.Some do resent being used for heavy lifting of equipment,supplies  and so forth.They got along well with parents as long as they did not promise what they could not do.There was more of a problem with doctors trying to act like nurses and touching  equipment they did not know how to use.

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Specializes in School health, Maternal-Newborn.

I think you'll love it. plus you will be a great role model for dads scared to handle their babies and dads who need to understand the importance of breastfeeding when it sometimes looks like a great big hassle. 

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

I've worked in 5 NICU's and all but the first had guys there (and that first was in the early 80s so there weren't as many guys in nursing at all).  I can think of only one problem a guy had and that was a family who didn't want a man changing their baby girls' diaper. ??? But it turned out he was the lucky one cuz they were really high maintenance, so I wouldn't worry about it.  I liked working with guys, it was a nice change from all women.  And yes, I think it makes some men feel more comfortable with doing things with their baby if they have another guy to help them.  There are still some crappy situations as mentioned but that's everywhere.  Do it, NICU jobs are my favorite! 

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