NICU to PICU??? Is this a good move??

[KK7724]

I am a a NICU nurse of one year. (Level III). I am moving out of state to a great city with a university children's hospital. Their NICU sounds fabulous...however...there are no positions open. There is an opportunity to do an RN internship in PICU. I just want some advice on going to this type of unit. I know that in PICU I would get a broader skills range and be able to keep my skills current on vents and critical care...etc. I am nervous about the age ranges of the patients and that I won't love it as much as NICU. I think the chance to get into an internship program and really get molded and shaped into a great PICU nurse is a very great opportunity, but I am scared....should I just go for it? I think even if I decided to go back to NICU that I would go back as a much better nurse?? Please give your input and opinions.

Thanks.

[perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN]

I would love that chance. I would do it in a heartbeat!!

[HazelLPN, LPN]

I do both PICU and NICU contingent. PICU is by far more challenging, as you get pretty much everything there EXCEPT for premie/RDS. Burns, hem/onc, hearts, trauma.....if it involves kids..you get it. I've been in critical care nursing over 40 years now....and I am still learning new things. You probably have better skills then you think you have already. Some of the dripps are the same....you already know how to titrate against dripps with the blood pressure...though the parameters will be different. If you are interested and willing to learn.....I think an internship would be an excellent opportunity for you.

We have several nurses who have come to the PICU from the NICU and for the most part..all have adjusted well WITHOUT an internship.

Best wishes,

The world's oldest critical care nurse.

[JennB03]

I am a Nurse who floats between PICU and NICU. I LOVE!!!!!!!! PICU. The variety keeps you from getting bored or burned out. At times it can be challenging but if you didn't like challenge I am sure you would not have started in NICU in the first place. Another thought, when the neonates are discharged and need to be readmitted for whatever reason, they are readmitted to PICU. So You would be an excellent resource for the PIC nurses who get freaked out by Apnea/Brady's etc that are common in the neonates. I say go for it!