Neonatal Nursing or Nursing Informatics

Published

I am an Associates Degree prepared RN (May 2008), expecting to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing in May 2010, with clinical experience on a Med-Surg + Geriatric floor at a local community hospital since June 2008

I love working with computers, and I am considering further studies in Nursing Informatics or Neonatal Nursing.

The nursery was the best part of my rotation. I LOVE babies!

I need to switch jobs soon! I am suffocating at my current job.

Is there anything neonatal nurses or informatics nurses may see fit to share with me, and others like me?

- Tips

- Advice

- Warnings

- Experiences

- Anything at all

Thank you in advance for your time and effort in replying to this post.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Recruiters want you for the area you're already working in - in my case med-surg. So, what if I want to switch to neonatology or informatics? Is it really that tough to train a med-surg nurse in another area?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

You can switch to NICU as long as there is a new grad program. You don;t necessarily need to be a new grad but they are called that because it is a program oriented to that specialty. I say GO FOR IT!!! I have been a NICU RN for over 9 years and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT STILL!!! I hope that helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have any suggestions regarding places that have such programs?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Actually right now I don't know of any programs occuring. They usually in Jan or june/july. What part of CA are you at? I live over in SF. You can try UCSF.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in NY, and want to move to CA. I am considering various options depending on job availability. I've heard of Cedars Sinai in LA, and Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento. Researching a lot. I really want to get a job I love this time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What about all those promises about being able to do whatever you like as a nurse? I loved the neonatal area, specifically, the nursery and the NICU. Since nurseries at hospitals are shutting down due to shorter hospital stays, that narrows it down to the NICU.

What should I be doing to make myself more marketable as a NICU RN, while still working in the Med-Surg area?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Well definitely you are able to do whatever area you want and don't have to "pay your dues" in med-surg. But honestly I think the only way you will be able to get into the nicu is by way of a grad program. You can educate yourself in the area by reading books but unless the hospital is willing to train you you can only get there in a program. If you can get into the kaiser system that would be great but just get your foot in the door and then you can move around. I haven't heard of any new programs but if I do I will keep you posted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Belle36. I really appreciate the offer to let me know of such programs!

I couldn't do it all by myself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

No problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion