PICU to L&D/MB

[nycnurse24]

Hi everyone, I'm in need of some advice. I have two years of general peds experience, and have been in the PICU for the past few months. It is most definitely not for me!

I am thinking about making a switch to either L&D or Mother Baby. These both seem like happier sides of nursing as opposed to ICU. I do realize that things can go wrong in L&D and you have to be on top of your game. I also love the idea of patient education in Mother Baby.

Does anyone know of any nurses who have left the PICU/ICU and been successful in L&D or Mb? Thanks!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I left PCU for M/B. I have been in M/B for almost 4 years and don't plan to ever go back to a critical care unit again. I honestly would be lost if I did. If you like the fast pace of an ER, then L&D would be your cup of tea. If you are interested in giving out a lot of education on both mom and infant, then M/B would bit your fit. I work with plenty of nurses who came from ICU, Pediatrics, M/S, Neuro, PCU, Oncology, etc. The one pediatric nurse we had ended up going back to Peds because she was no longer interested in taking care of adults. Nothing is greener on the other side; you'll have to experience it yourself and make the decision to stay or leave.

[quazar]

I can't speak from personal experience, but I worked with a nurse who was a former PICU nurse, and she was fantastic. L&D of course has sad/stressful/horrific moments, but not like PICU. My former coworker was much happier on L&D.