needing advice on how to reach my goal

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Specializes in addictions recovery, tele, peds.

My ultimate goal is to become a NICU nurse it is where my true passion lies. Where I live it is very difficult to get into the field w/out some experience. I took a position in an adult critical care step down because it is in a great hospital and they have a nicu and do alot of internal promoting. I also work pediatric private duty through agency.

Did I make a good move here? I keep getting mixed opinions. Some say Im wasting my time because babies are a whole other ball game (which i know they are) but others say that med surg is so important and that its a great place to start.

Do you think that the NICU whether it be in my current hospital or another will hire me with the experience listed after a yr?

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

It is quite possible. Many m/s nurses transition successfully to NICU. It takes a little un-learning of some things, but you will always be able to use your time management/critical thinking.

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I had the same question as I was coming out of school. This is what several nurses told me, Including my mentor who is the director of education: It was the norm at one time to have med/surge, and then move into a critical care area. But most floors are so specilized and most hospitals offer an internship, you can go into just about any kind of setting and usually be fine.

You can always get the med/surge experience. Its not going to hurt, it may help. I went straight into the NICU from school. Good luck with deciding.

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