Need Advice For Transfer To Nicu

[livtek]

I need help from NICU nurses.

My story goes like this.

Right now I'm working in postpartum unit and newborn nursery for 4 months, by my 6th month in this unit I would like to transfer to NICU training for 3 months. Then I will be on my own for another 3 months, this make 6 months in NICU, and then I need to go for surgery and I will be out of work for 3 months.

My question is: Should I transfer now or when I come back from surgery?

Only there is a problem because, if I come back from surgery and if I will still work in POstpartum I must wait until the next NICU training. My surgery will be on my hip and I will be not able to walk for 12 hours in POstpartum unit.

I would love to work in NICU, but I'm scared that I will be so long time off because of the surgery and then will come back....

Should I wait for transfer after the surgery or get transfered before?

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

You should really wait until after your surgery. There is a very steep learning curve in the NICU, and if you leave during your first year, you're really going to be disrupting that. Plus, with having surgery, there is enough stress in your life. Just stay where you are and then apply for the NICU after your surgery. Another thing - the NICU nurse manager might not approve your transfer knowing you are leaving for surgery in a few months.

Just my opinion.

[sparkyRN]

I agree with Gompers.

Besides the learning curve, the chances are better than good that you will be spending a lot of hours on your feet. There's alot of moving to be done in a NICU not to mention trips to L&D, CT lab, surgery etc. When you start in a NICU there should be classroom and discussion time away from the unit. In otherwords, time to sit! Also when you start, you will have a small assignment and will be working with a preceptor. You tend to stay in one spot to start with. IMO I wouldn't combine the stress of being post-op myself and trying to remember everything I learned 3 months earlier.