NICU vs. PICU

Published

I currently work in Adult ICU for the past year and a half. My goal is to earn my CCRN and work a full 2years in ICU and then I will transfer to our children's hospital and work either PICU or NICU. In my heart I really want to work NICU. Actually I have always wanted to work NICU since nursing school but decided to get adult experience bc I knew once I did babies I would never go back. The problem is the nurse recruiter told me that nurses who had worked in Adult ICU transfer over better to PICU and do well there versus going to NICU where they have found that they have a harder time adjusting. I am for PICU but my heart is in NICU. I think what excited about NICU is that it IS very different for what I am used to. Id rather go for change then go to a unit that is semi similar even though it will be different. I guess I get soo excited thinking abvout working in the NICU and reading this forum. I know it will be challenging but I am willing to even do the new grad 6 month orientation to work NICU. What do you all think? Do you think I.should give PICU a try or go to NICU where I really would like to be at

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Go to NICU. If that is what you really want, there's no sense in wasting time in PICU. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you fo that I really appreciate it, I guess I just want to do what is best and I hope that is the NICU!!!:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

You have to follow your heart. I always knew that I wanted to be a NICU nurse, even before I decided to become a nurse. My mom told me that I was "too sensitive" and "some babies die and you can't handle that". It seemed that everyone in my family discouraged my dream. Unfortunately, I allowed the naysayers to sway my decision.

When I finally started nursing school, I set my sights on becoming an OR nurse. I was so excited for my day in the OR during my 2nd semester..I absolutely hated it! I could never work there and be happy. I don't mean this to be disparaging to the awesome OR nurses out there, but it just was not for me.

Third semester I got to tour the NICU during L&D clinicals. I knew in my heart that is where I belonged. I then got to spend about 7 hours there and I ABSOLUTELY knew that is where I wanted to spend the rest of my career. I start my job as a new grad in the NICU in 3 weeks! :D

You have to go where you think you will be happy. I have read that NICU nurses are born, not made. It sounds to me like you have a real passion for it, so I say go for it! You'll never know for sure unless you try. If for some reason you don't like it, you have all of that amazing experience to fall back on and go anywhere you want. Life is too short to not pursue your dreams to the fullest. Best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology , Neonatology, OB-Gyn.

Listen to you heart, before you tell him goodbyeeeeeee ( ok, now you all know my age)

No point in wasting time if you can get a NICU position .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Go to the NICU as a new grad. I did and I don't regret ONE second of it! Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Oh, and don't waste your time in the adult ICU, just GO to NICU! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Peds, Pediatraic Home Care, Infusion.

Go straight to the NICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I believe that adults and babies are as different as night and day. If you really want NICU then you should go for it. Just remember that you have to be open to learning all over again and keep an open mind. You may feel like a new grad again. Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion