May06 Grad- Needs advice on NICU position

[EmmyV]

Hi everyone, I am new to this. I am hoping other nurses and nursing students can help me with my decision. I have always wanted to work in the NICU. I have applied to a few in my area. The one that I really wanted to work in is a level III NICU in a children's hospital. However, they filled all their positions with internal applicants. The nurse recruiter suggested I apply for the level II NICU at the teaching hospital that is on the same campus as the children's hospital. I though that this would be a good idea because I cold work here for a few months or a year and then get an internal transfer to the children's level III NICU. But here is the kicker, I got offered a job in a level III NICU at a completly different hospital. I liked the hospital, but I am always comparing it to the hospital I have always wanted to work. So basically, I need advice on wether taking the job in the level II and then hoping for a transfer is a good idea, since the children's hospital has been my first choice for a long time. Or should I accept the offer at the other hospital??? Sorry if this is so confusing, but I am stressing that I am going to make the wrong decision for my future.

[cshell1964]

Dear May06 Grad,

I think it would be great experience to work in a level 2 unit first as a new grad. I have worked in NICU for 19 years and I love it! I would never do anything else! Our new grads actually work in Phase 2 (intermediate care) for about 6 months before we bring them up to Phase 1 (intensive care) anyways. If you have your heart set on the Children's hospital, I would take that level 2 position to gain valuable experience and get your foot in the door for the level 3 of your dreams! Good luck! I hope you will love NICU as much as I do!

[EmmyV]

Thank you for the advice. I think I needed someone in the field to give their opinion. I have just been going back and forth in my mind to either just go with the level III offer, or go with my hospital of choice. Thanks again!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I would take the Level II at your favorite hospital! Trust me, Level II NICU's are no piece of cake in themselves. Where I work, we're a combined Level II/III, but sometimes the Level II kids can scare the crap out of us WAY worse than any Level III. The nurses with Level II assignments still have to be prepared and stay alert. We've had kids go from Level II to CPR in progress within minutes. A Level II is a great place to start, in my opinion, esp if you've had your eye on that particular hospital.

Good luck!