NICU/Nursery experience only..

[CindiB13]

I have found that I'm not very appealing to most of the nursing world. I graduated in 2007 with my Associates Degree and went straight into a NICU internship program. Since then I have moved (3 times) and have worked in nurseries, Levels I and II. Lately I've been wanting a change. I'm thinking about stepping back from bedside nursing but not really sure what is available for someone with my degree/experience. Has anyone been in this position? I think I would enjoy a career that deals more with paperwork than patients. (:unsure:Hope that doesn't sound too bad.)Today I went to the local college to inquire about the RN to t BSN program there. I have a feeling that will be my best bet. Would love to hear what you all think. Thanks.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Expert NICU nurses are a hot commodity in my part of the world... but I certainly hear what you're saying. I have worked in all areas of critical care - and liked most of them. But, I couldn't cope with NICU. If found it very difficult to deal with the 'sadness factor' & experienced a lot of moral distress related to treatment choices that were made. So I think your need to find another area to 'decompress' is very understandable.

Advancing your education would be a very wise idea. BSN is required for most of those 'indirect' Nursing Jobs with decent salaries. Your expertise would be very valuable in quality & patient safety or case management for Women's Health/NICU. Or (heaven forbid), you could do medical records analysis for a plaintiff's attorney who specializes in birth-related injury...... I don't advise going to the "dark side", but those positions tend to pay very well.

Best of luck in your career change. I hope it recharges your nursing 'batteries'!