Nursing specialty L&D or NICU?

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Specializes in Med/surg, ED.

Hello! I'm a RN working in one of the busiest ED in NYC. I used to be on med/surg for 3 years and I transitioned ED and it has been 2 years already. 

These days, I feel so lost in my career path and feel so burnt out. Even on my days off, I constantly feel anxious of going to work and it literally ruins the days off worrying which is so awful... 

I want to try different nursing specialty besides adult nursing care. So L&D and NICU came up to mind. I think I'm more detail-oriented but also like fast-paced. And also I like patient coming and leaving. 

I think L&D has more similar setting as the ED since it's a very fast-paced and emergent environment. Is there any nurse who transitioned to either L&D or NICU from adult ED or med/surg? I want some advice. 

Thank you all!! 

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Specializes in NICU.
Heminnn said:

 So L&D and NICU came up to mind. I think I'm more detail-oriented but also like fast-paced. And also I like patient coming and leaving. 

NICU is definitely not fast paced and patients coming and going. Many NICU patients (24 week gestation) are in the unit for 4+ months. 

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Specializes in Med/surg, ED.

Thanks for your reply! How do you like NICU? I want to hear from nurses working there ? 

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

L&D is still adult nursing care. Very little of it involves infants.

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I work med surg and also do Labor. On our unit nurses are 1:1.

L & D can be fast paced, but oft times it is also slow. When someone comes in for an induction and cervical ripening all you are doing is waiting. There can be a lot of stress involved when things go south. It is different, so if you are feeling like you want a change, it may be an option. Just know going in if you like the fast pace of the ED, only some days are like that in L & D. It really depends on your patient. 

 

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Specializes in Justice ⚖️ Nursing.

I don't work in either, so can't truly share my experience. But, I came to say, that both need experienced nurses who are great at their job and especially bedside manner with families, and women giving birth. This seems to be lacking, as I heard from an ED documentary on Netflix recently that featured NICU surgeon. 

There is not as many skilled professionals in those areas, as in others. 

So, I do hope you decide to go down that path! Maybe get the taste for L&D, complications and all....then decide if NICU would work for you.

Best wishes!!

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