ChillPillRN

It’s possible to switch specialties from NICU, I did. But I was lucky because of COVID and all the staff RNs quitting to travel. I went straight to the NICU from graduation and worked there 3.5yrs before I started a periop 101 program. I worked PRN NICU while I did the program and worked in the OR. I worked in the OR for a while but had to relocate so I took a travel NICU assignment because I couldn’t travel in the OR. One of my coworkers started in the NICU too and participated in a hospital program that trained experienced nurses in new specialties. She went to the ER and floats between ER and NICU. I love the NICU and will always find a way to go back but getting experience in an Adult specialty has made me more valuable. I didn’t realize how much I love NICU until I left but I can always go back. Before COVID when I wanted to change hospitals or pursue interest in other specialties I couldn’t get a call back but with adding OR experience I have recruiters contacting me and has been more lucrative.

Congratulations on your offer! I would suggest L&D if there is a NICU in your hospital. I’ve been a NICU RN for 4yrs and often when the unit was short nurses, L&D nurses would float to the unit. They didn’t get high acuity patients but they still took care of babies. You’ll learn a lot! Especially about medical conditions affecting mom that can contribute to baby coming to the NICU. If the L&D unit your considering catches their babies you could be the baby nurse after mom delivers and take the first set of vitals and measurements after birth. One of the NICU nurses I look up to most was a L&D nurse and her skill set is unmatched! She’s a great charge nurse, great with the OBs, Neos & L&D nurses! She can work anywhere in Woman’s services which can help when the NICU’s census is low and your getting canceled a lot. I hope this helps. Good luck! You have great options to choose from!