medsurg nurse needing advice

[NRS86]

So ive been in the wonderful world of medsurg over 2 years now. Hate it hate it hate it! Zero passion and drive on this floor for me. Ive always wanted to be with the itty bitty babies, its just very intimidating to me. And totally different than caring for adults but it just seems so much more rewarding as a job to me personally.

I guess im just looking for advice from anyone that has been where i have been trying to land a nicu position and when you did was it a huge learning curve? Or did u ever regret going to nicu (i highly doubt it) but i just want to hear others experiences 😊.

Also, is there anything i could do to increase my chances of interviewing? It just seems like its all about who u know and since im stuck in m/s its hard to network with the nicu ladies. Sorry so long, thanks in advance!

[JLM817]

I have been in your place, I worked medsurg/psych for about a year before I got hired into a level IV NICU. I DON'T REGRET LEAVING MEDSURG ONE BIT! I believe it was pure luck that I got hired for NICU. My hospital is known to hire alot of new grads, so I believe it was just great timing for me. I encourage you to keep applying and introduce yourself to the nicu manager in your hospital and tell her how much your interested in transferring to nicu. Don't give up! I love my unit and I love my job...i finally feel my hard work is for a great cause and it's very rewarding.

[R1515J]

Have you spent any time in the NICU? I would try to ask about shadowing for a day, or a few hours in the NICU to see what it's actually like. I have worked with some people who thought it was one way but were maybe a little disillusioned by it.

That said, I have never worked anything but nursery and NICU and love it with every ounce of my soul. If you think its what you want to do, GO FOR IT! If you get there and hate it, I doubt you'll have any trouble at all getting back into MS :) I know that there are many units that will allow you to participate in their fellowship programs, even as a nurse that it not a new grad. As a preceptor in NICU, I would rather teach a nurse with some nursing experience than one with none, just my personal opinion. It is different from the adult world so you will have to allow yourself to relearn some things, but it will be worth it. I will never leave NICU :) Good luck!