NICU managers - what do you prefer?

Following this post. I also hope to be in the NICU some day.

I've struggled finding ideal/desireable pathways to preferred specialties. There's no clear answer that I can find.

i would suggest that you try and get in to the pediatric area. once you have pediatric experience which will include newborns and young infants that started in the NICU. Once you have that background you will have a chance to get in to the NICU area... good luck

I posted this same question in the NICU thread and one person said it all depends on the hiring manager.

Adults and babies are so different! Im in such a pickle! I know adult ICU will get me comfortable with critical care and sharpen my critical thinking skills but nursery will give me experience with the babies, of which I have absolutely none.

I have an interview with another ICU position tomorrow and plan to stop by the NICU and get the managers input. I'll keep you posted.

So I spoke with the NICU manager yesterday and she said Nursery. She said she can teach neonatal critical care and would prefer someone familiar with well baby assessments.

Not the answer I was hoping for since the nursery I'm looking at is small and I'm leaning toward the ICU at the larger hospital. Oh well.

I would advise you to pay heed to the NICU manager. Babies are not just tiny adults.... there are physiological differences, particularly with preemies. It may also be a good idea to begin studying neonatal physiology as this would not only provide you with an essential foundational knowledge, but also demonstrate your commitment to potential employers.

Also - while it is true that NICU nurses score very high in job satisfaction, it's not all rainbows, unicorns and pink cuddly babies. This is an area that is fraught with ethical issues which can give rise to serious levels of moral distress among nursing staff. Forewarned is forearmed.

Thank you for your input. Are there any particular books you recommend for neonatal critical care?