Not Sure Why......

Specialties NICU

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I will be starting my first semester of nursing school, and in talking with the fourth semester students who have been offered positions in my area, I was told of a particular hospital that has a direct hire position into their Level III unit. No one could tell me the particulars, so I decided to go to this hospital today and spoke with the Nurse Recruiter and asked her about that possibility when I graduate. One of the questions that I asked is what they look for from a student in their selection process. The recruiter said that when they select a student for the NICU unit, they always ask "Why do you want to work in the NICU unit." My problem is this.....I don't have a WHY, I just know that that is the main reason I wanted to become a nurse, so that I could work in the NICU.

Don't get me wrong, it would not devastate me to not work in the NICU, but it is definitely a strong pull for me. I just don't know how to answer this question and I feel that "just because" is not a good enough answer.

I would like to know if there really a good reason why, and why you all chose to work in the NICU.

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I just started in a Level III NICU 3 weeks ago and love it. At the time of interviewing I had a hard time deciding between adult ICU and the NICU. I wasn't sure if I wanted to specialize in the neonates right away. However, I ended up deciding that I could always go back to adults and if this was something I was interested in trying I should do it now. My pull to the NICU initially was based on an article I read in the New York Times on the NICU environment and the development of the Neonates. It really had me interested. Then I had an observation opportunity in my OB rotation in school. I really loved the idea of using technology and assessment in ways that allowed the neonates to continue to develop in this new environment. I honestly have to say after reading posts on this board that I really decided it was something I believed in and something for me. There was a post earlier called What do you like best about the NICU where tons of people have responded. That will help you! Good Luck!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I would like to know if there really a good reason why, and why you all chose to work in the NICU.

Check out the "What I like about the NICU" sticky at the top of the forum.

Good Luck!

Stevern21

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