New Grad in NICU

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I have an interview for a NICU RN position. It is a level II NICU. I wasn't expecting to have this as an option right now (I put it as a future goal in my cover letter). So, part of me is scared, part of me wonders if it will be boring, and part of me wonders if it is best to start out in something more general (Pediatrics was my plan). If anyone has any thoughts, please let me know.

Thanks

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Specializes in L&D all the way baby!.

Well sorry I can't offer you any personal advice but I'll tell you I'd be thrilled if I could get that offer when I graduate.

Though I will tell you I have heard some say the night shift in NICU is dull since there are no patients or family to interact with (verbally at least). Good luck in your decision. Whatever it may be!

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Specializes in NICU.
Though I will tell you I have heard some say the night shift in NICU is dull since there are no patients or family to interact with (verbally at least). Good luck in your decision. Whatever it may be!

If you're in a smaller NICU or a level II nursery, there might only be a couple of nurses on. But if you're in a bigger unit, you might be working with 20-something other nurses at night. Never a dull moment there!

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Though I will tell you I have heard some say the night shift in NICU is dull since there are no patients or family to interact with (verbally at least). Good luck in your decision. Whatever it may be!

I don't think that is true. Day shift or night shift, our babies still need care and feeding every 3-4 hours. It is definitley quieter on night shift without all the docs etc around and there is less family but there is 24 hour visitation and we do have parents coming in at all hours, especially if mom is still in house and/or breastfeeding. Plus there are always admissions, babies don't always wait until day shift to be born!

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Specializes in L&D all the way baby!.

Well you would know better than me that's for sure! I'm just going off what a new nurse I know (who took her first job in NICU) says. Of course NICU might just not be the right fit for her either. I personally can't imagine it would be dull, it's the REASON I'm becoming a nurse!!

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