lgiampietro

Hi! I'm currently a NICU nurse and LOVE it, and I want to further my career to become an NP. My ultimate goal is to work with NICU-grads in a neonatal follow up program, but I wanted to know if pediatric NPs can work in these follow-up outpatient programs or if they are mostly NNPs? I've decided against Neonatal NP because shift work just is not for me and I do not want to limit myself to the acute care setting. I'd love to do acute care AND primary so I have many options. Still looking at programs. Does anyone know if pediatric NPs can work in neonatal programs or still work with the neonatal population? Thanks! Lia

SOS! I just started my dream job as a NICU nurse at CHOP in Jan, and am rotating shifts every 8 weeks. I worked nights before and left the job because it was so hard on my body and mental health. I have Generalized Anxiety disorder and a history of depression, have been hospitalized in the past for severe anxiety/insomnia. I love my job, but working nights seriously takes its toll. I have fallen into a depression again and am an absolute wreck. I can barely function, I ALWAYS feel sick, zero energy, no appetite, and I am completely miserable. I take anti-anxiety meds and trazodone for sleep and I feel like it doesnt even help. Does anyone know what a hospital's protocol would be in allowing nurses to work day shift if they have a medical issue that makes working nights not an option? I plan to speak to my physician and find out his opinions. I thought about being honest with my manager and telling her that I really cannot do nights due to my mental health as well as physical deterioration. But I do not want my employer to think i am weak or cannot do my job. I am a good nurse and I work very well under the pressure of the day shift. I am at a complete loss and don't know what to do, I am desperate. If anyone has any advice/experience I am all ears, thank you in advance! :) Lia