New Graduate - Pediatrics vs. Maternity/Post-partum?

[sabs08]

Hi,

I'm a new graduate starting a career in pediatrics. I've heard that it may be hard to get hours on my unit as a new grad until I'm able to apply for a part time/fulltime position. I was just wondering what people's thoughts were about working casual in maternity (postpartum/mother-babe) at the same time as working on a paediatric unit?

I was thinking this roughly 6 months after starting on the unit ... would this be a good idea? I'm interested in maternity maybe in the future but my passion is definitely in pediatrics and possibly public health in the far future. 

[BostonPedsRN]

Hey! My previous hospital actually required nurses to float within the women and children's division. My home unit was peds, but I also floated to maternity (postpartum) and NICU. I think 6 months after starting on your unit is a good time to start floating or picking up mother/baby per diem, especially if it's another specialty that interests you! It's a great way to dabble and hone in on your niche. Definitely spend the next 6 months learning what you can and solidifying your skills in peds, but then absolutely explore. ? Hope this helps!