May I have your opinion please?

[constantlylearning]

I graduated in December of 2001, did one year part time in a small unit and then went to work in the neonatal unit and lasted about 9 months. My course grades were all A's but to be very honest I found it hard to work with some of the nurses. I found some of them to be very unsupportive and almost aggressive. I KNOW I have what it takes to be a great nurse in neonatal but I need to find a thicker skin and stronger backbone to just keep the people with such STRONG personalities from intimidating the heck out of me.

The neonatal unit near my home is expanding and need at least 10 more RN's. Five part time, five full time and perhaps even more.

I WANT TO APPLY AGAIN BUT I AM TERRIFIED IF I AM HONEST! It has been six years and I am more than willing to take the courses over again to refresh all that information again.

I was told by someone that once I had my own children (now I have two amazing boys ages 2, 4) that I would learn to stick up for myself but it hasn't happened. Fight for them, or anyone else I love, SURE I AM THERE. But to stand up for myself, I am still trying everyday to work at it.

I miss working in the hospital. I have been working at a LTC facility for the last 2.5 years which I LOVE and the money is VERY good but it just isn't what I yearn for. I miss the constant learning, the skills ~ I miss a lot of things.

If you were me. Or knowing your fellow neonatal nurses would you go back?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Based on what you said in your post ... that you LOVE your current job and make good money there ... I would say, "No. Don't quit your job and take such a gamble in this economy."

Keep your good job that you love and seek some other ways to satisfy those unfulfilled needs for now. If what you really miss is the "constant learning," then find things to learn and ways to grow that don't involve quitting a good job. The world of geriatrics is rich with possibilities. Look there. You can also look for hobbies, community service activities, etc. that would be personally fulfilling for you.

Another thought is for you to do some volunteer work at the hospital to get an inside look at the NICU -- or at least at the hospital environment. Then you will be in a better position to assess whether or not that environment is one in which you will be happy and successful. Also, remember that coming into a unit that is in the process of expanding will be extremely stressful as they will have LOTS of new people to orient. From how you describe yourself, I doubt you would thrive is such a stressful environment. If you want to try to work there, at least wait until the expansion is done and the dust has settled. Bigger units mean more staff ... and more staff means more people hired on a regular basis.

Given the nature of the economy -- and given how stressful that unit is likely to be over the next year -- I would not recommend taking such a gamble with your career and your family's finances.

[KatRNC]

To be successful working in a NICU, you MUST be able to be the absolute advocate for your patiens! You can't be that person for your own sons? I would stay where you are...