CApediRN

I admit I have a problem with job-hopping. Every 9-12 months at a job, I get antsy and want to move across country for a better opportunity, see a different city/state, or learn a new skill. Currently, I have 5 years experience in the same field (NICU/PICU) with 5 different jobs; my longest employment being 15 months in my first job as a nurse. Since then, I've jumped every year in search of better opportunities. I've always kept good relationships with previous employers and I can be rehired at all of them. My problem is that I am catching a ton of heat from friends and family. They think my job history is not solid and are wary about the job market and whether I will be able to get a job in the future. I'd love to hear thoughts from other experienced RN's or RN managers regarding job hopping. Is it really that bad if one job hops in order to advance their career (more training, moving to a more prestigious facility, higher pay, etc.)?

Since adult ICU is completely different from NICU, I think I would choose OB to at least get comfortable assessing neonates and initiating NRP following deliveries. You will also gain skills in breastfeeding, giving routine newborn meds, and watching the NICU team work during high-risk deliveries.

Seattle Children's and UW probably won't even look at your application until you have a BSN. Have you looked outside of Seattle? I know Evergreen, Providence Everett, Tacoma General, Valley Medical, the VA and Overlake all hire new grads. Or maybe get a SNF/LTC job until you receive your BSN and more doors are opened?

I think it all depends on your specialty as far as what positions are available. I'm new to travel, but there seems to be a good mix of days, nights, and rotating schedules in my field. I have had problems with Talemed as well!! I filled out an application, spoke to a recruiter who seemed energetic, and was told he was going to email me more paperwork, which I never received. I have left several messages with him over the last few weeks and have yet to hear anything, so I'm done. It's kinda surprising since they were ranked so highly by Highway Hypodermics... Anyway, I ended up going with Cross Country and Premier.

Rush only offers a DNP now, but does have the Neonatal CNS as an option. I'm not sure if it is online though. Duke University used to offer the MSN-Neonatal CNS program, but admission is suspended to the CNS tracks until Fall 2013. I thought SUNY Stony Brook had an online program as well, but I couldn't find any additional information on it. It seems like a lot of the schools that once offered the neonatal CNS are now canceling their programs, which is too bad.

I know you have requested a book, but I love the website Home Page | Congenital Heart Disease - Cove Point Foundation | Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital.

I think night shift is a great place for a new grad to learn and get time management skills down before moving to day shift. On my unit, days are typically busier with ICU rounds occurring, visitors coming in and out, management looking over your shoulder, day trips to the OR, radiology, etc, and fluids are hung on day shift as well! Not saying that night shift isn't busy though! I've worked night shift for years and love it! The night shift is generally more laid-back. Your commute will be a nice time to study or clear your mind before your shift and then relax/unwind on the way home. Good luck and welcome to PICU nursing!