NICU nurse to FNP

SoCal_RN · Oct 31, 2013

I am in a similar situation—currently a NICU RN and anticipate graduating with my FNP in Aug 2015. Just last week I had a lengthy conversation with one of my FNP professors. She advised that while it is doable to continue in the NICU until entering a FNP role, she doesn't advise it. She suggested moving to an ER or possibly med-surg/tele to get more adult experience. She was an ER RN before and during her FNP program and felt she had an advantage compared to NICU/specialty experienced students who struggled more.

allnurses Guide · Oct 31, 2013

If you have a good job then keep it.

If your program is decent then you will get all the experience you need through your clinical rotations.

lemur87 · Nov 4, 2013

I do have a good job, currently PRN but working as many shifts as I want. I was thinking about possibly throwing another PRN job in the mix working med/surg, but I'm not sure a PRN job for 1.5 years would do me any good as far as experience/resume goes. I am a bit nervous about getting hired as a new grad NP with only NICU experience :/ tough call!

allnurses Guide · Nov 4, 2013

I do have a good job currently PRN but working as many shifts as I want. I was thinking about possibly throwing another PRN job in the mix working med/surg, but I'm not sure a PRN job for 1.5 years would do me any good as far as experience/resume goes. I am a bit nervous about getting hired as a new grad NP with only NICU experience :/ tough call![/quote']
I haven't heard of much actual evidence of difficulty finding a job unless you are shooting for a speciality.
I do some teaching for a well established NP DE program (about 10% of grads have no RN experience) and all 60+ grads from the past two years had job offers by six months out two years in a row.
If you intend to work for a NP-owned practice then I would think about it. If you are going to work at a group or MD practice then they often don't care at all about your prior RN experience, sadly.

mamamonkey · Nov 6, 2013

I was a NICU RN for 4 years before I graduated a FNP program. Now, to be fair, I worked adult critical care for the 4 years before that. Having the NICU experience made me more comfortable with babies and peds to an extent. I don't know that my nursing experience has really made a hill of beans difference as far as getting a NP job.

I worked for a NP owned practice as a new grad (still work there occasionally) and I will say that my adult experience helped b/c I was on my own after the first couple of months and having some adult background makes you feel a bit more confident (I mean, you're scared to death the first year anyway!).

If you can pick up a PRN job, then I would probably go for it if it's feasible. You are always getting a chance to hone/practice assessment skills and critical thinking skills (even if you aren't the one issuing the orders ). If it is going to interfere with school or your home life, then I wouldn't do it.

Alisabeth, BSN, MSN, DNP · Nov 7, 2013

Definitely keep your NICU PRN job, sounds like it works well with your school schedule. My BF was a NICU RN for 4 years before she became an Adult NP. She had no problem transitioning over. Your NP clinicals will help you feel more comfortable and gain adult experience. Good luck!

lemur87 · Nov 7, 2013

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

janetek · Nov 11, 2013

I was a NICU/Mother-baby RN for 20 years before going back for FNP. I am due to graduate with FNP in July. Due to this, I had very limited experience with diseases typically found in the adult (HTN, hyperlipidemia, DM, CHF, etc.) and therefore did not have much experiential background to fall back on. The experience I had was a LOOOONG time ago, and it is all obsolete. So, I have to spend more time on my weak areas...adult diseases, pharmacology, etc....

The good news--you have a lot of knowledge and experience r/t the childbearing family (mom and baby), respiratory and newborn care. You have quite a bit of knowledge about cardiac and a nice overall knowledge of GI, GU, STDs, infection and orthopedic issues of the newborn. Care of women and children will be easier for you than others.

I would caution you about changing jobs at this point. The learning curve is steep and the stress level is high in NP school without adding a new job to the mix. Do I wish I had more experience with adult diseases--yes. Do I regret the decision to work in maternal/child health for 20 years...absolutely NOT. You will have a bigger learning curve in some areas, but a smaller one in other areas. Expect to spend more time on your weak areas.

Good luck!

cbrown39 · Apr 12, 2017

Hey, I know this topic is old, but I'm just wondering how did the NICU RN to FNP transition turn out? I'm currently applying to FNP programs, and I am a NICU nurse!