NICU Per-Diem or LTC Full-time????

[NhNikki]

I am about to finish my CNA program at the end of the month and I've already started looking at jobs. I plan to go on and complete my ADN-RN and eventually my BSN, but I plan to work as a CNA in the mean time:nurse:

Most of our training in the CNA program focuses on long term care, mostly because they encourage you to work there after you've completed the program before you go anywhere else. Although long term care is always looking for CNAs, they reimburse you for taking the CNA couse, and I would easily be able to work full-time at any LTC facility, geriatrics is just not for me. I have nothing against the elderly, but I would much rather be working L&D, pediatrics, or the nursery. My dream is work in the NICU!

I was planning on trying work in the NICU of one of the local hospitals as an RN eventually, but I found out the other day that that same hospital is looking for a CNA, or "NICU Technician" experience not required:D! The only downside is that it's per diem for all shifts.

I guess I'm basically looking for some advice on what I should do? I have been finding a lot of full-time CNA positions but they're either at an LTC or in Geropsych units, but I just don't know if that NICU position is something I could pull off financially or if I should just suck it up and take a full-time position?

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

My dream is work in the NICU!

This is what speaks volumes in your post, and really it's a no-brainer in my book. If you're looking to be a NICU nurse in the long run, this is the type of exposure that will give you an edge over others. Working in LTC I would have to assume does not transfer many skills over to NICU - I think they are worlds apart. Make what sacrifices you must to make your dream closer to reality, but if that were me I would certainly go NICU which is in fact my dream as well. If you don't want the NICU job I will certainly take it in a heartbeat ... but I would have to move probably and, shucks, gotta get certified as a CNA too ... can I do that in a few hours' time???

Good luck in your decision!

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

BEWARE! Research thoroughly before you will accept that position. If they're saying it's per-diem and for all shift, I bet there are going to be restrictions. You might want to look into the average census in the NICU because sometimes the NICU Tech might not work if the census is below a certain number. NICU Techs might also do the clerical stuff and they can be limited on the hands on with the babies. Our NICU Tech barely works the floor as a tech. Her job is to take the vital signs, change diapers, and feed the babies, that can be fed with the bottle. She floats to L & D and works as a clerk most of the time. No hands on experience there. When the census is below 10 she's not on the NICU that shift. She's floated to L & D at best to work as a clerk, and that's if they need her. If not then she's cancelled. The NICU is struggling for babies where I work. So make sure that you find this information out before you get excited and in the end are set up for a big let down.

[chickapea]

I would go for the NICU... especially if that's the area you're interested in. You never know it could start out per diem and then you move into a more stable position. If it does not work out for some reason then go find full time at LTC which will always be an option. The hospital setting is a lot harder to get in to as a CNA so if you have the chance now I say take it!! Good luck!

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

If NICU is your dream position then apply for the job. If you get it, and you're not getting as many hours as you need, then apply at an LTC and do both. Usually as a per diem employee you are required to work a certain number of shifts in a month but you can turn them down a certain number of times too. One of my coworkers works at the hospital and is also per diem at our facility and she works there when she feels like it, basically. She has a regular schedule at the hospital and at the nursing home either they call her or she calls us.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

As per diem you're guaranteed to be on the schedule a certain amout of days of the month. You can schedule yourself as many days as you want, but you have to meet the minimum. You don't have to work those minimum amount of days if you're cancelled. So maybe do what Fuzzy suggested, also have that LTC job to back you up because as a per diem you might not work as much considering there are probably others there with more senority than you who will work if they're needed. Also keep in mind that it's also your foot in the door to work other units at the hospital. You never know you might work ER and find that's your passion over NICU.

[sonomala]

NICU all the way, its the kind of job most of CNAs dream about. Even if you do clerical your job will be wayyyyyyyy better then 40 hrs of ltc.

[chickapea]

I was just wondering how much more an hour do you make for per diem? I know that's one of the perks is that you make more per hour than a regular benefited position. If anyone knows I'm curious to find out. Thanks!