NICU internship or start FNP program?

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  1. Should I delay FNP program and start NICU internship?

    • 0
      Start FNP program in summer, and forget about starting NICU
    • 3
      Start NICU internship, delay FNP program until fall

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Hello, I have been working as a RN on a Cardiac step down unit for the past year and a half. My floor is very overwhelming and has made me want to start a Family NP program sooner than originally planned, just so that I could leave the bedside. Recently, internships have opened up for NICU at my hospital. Before becoming a nurse I was always interested in NICU. Also, during my OB/Peds rotation in Nursing school I absolutely loved my NICU rotation. It is am AMAZING area of nursing, being in the NICU was like being in a room filled with miracles. It was by far my favorite clinical rotations. The only issue I face is that I have been accepted to a FNP program to start in the summer but the NICU internship also starts in the summer. My question is, should I start the NICU internship which is 16 weeks long in the summer and then delay starting the FNP program until fall or should I just start the FNP program in the summer instead and forget about the NICU. I am so pumped about the slight possibility of being able to work in the NICU that I am actually leaning more toward the idea of starting the internship and delaying starting the FNP program until the fall. what do you think?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

Do the NICU internship. It may just change your mind about the FNP program

Signed,

A NICU RN applying for FNP school.

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Do NICU. I was a NICU nurse for 8 years. You will learn so much that you can later take with you to FNP practice. Or, you may decide to pursue a Neonatal NP program instead. It is a very rewarding area of nursing, and you will be able to honestly tell women later in you practice that you have seen the effects of poor prenatal care, etc.

If you have the option to delay the FNP Program, definitely take the opportunity to experience this niche of nursing. It just might end up being the nursing specialty that you're super-passionate about.

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What is your end goal?

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I know for a fact that I want to be a nurse practitioner working in the primary care setting. Be it Women's care, pediatrics, adults I'm not sure yet but I know primary care. But I will be at the bedside for at least 2 1/2 Years to 3 Years.

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Specializes in ICU.

Definitely do the NICU program, especially if you're not 100% sure what your focused long-term goals are. NICU sounds like a great opportunity. Worst case scenario you don't like it and start FNP school later.

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