Question to all you experienced RNs

[NICUplease]

I will be starting NS school soon and have always wanted to work in the NICU. I want to go straight into a new grad NICU program right out of school. As far as me being a successful and knowlegable nurse... is this a good idea to get into a specialty right away? I've heard that many people dont think so... they say starting @ med/surg is best before going into critical care. But... isnt that the whole point of the NICU program?, to learn all this before they put you on the floor? Won't the traits of being a good NICU nurse come with experience?, of course you wont be as good as the veterans.. but this will come in time. You could still become a good nurse if you start in a specialty right? Thoughts anyone? I'd love to hear from you vets!

[jujejo71]

I am not a "vet" RN ...only for 10 months...but I think that it all depends on the individual. I work on a med-surg GYN unit, and plan on staying there for 2 years (I am committed through a scholarship). I have learned SOOO much, but still have so much to learn! I personally do not feel ready to face the challenge of a specialty care setting. Eventually, I would like to work in the ED or L&D. On the other hand, my sister is a "vet"...with almost 20 years of experience. She has ONLY worked on Peds. She wouldn't have it any other way. I ran into a guy the other day that I went to nursing school with....he went straight to the ED out of school, then to transport nurse, and now is going to PACU. He told me that he wishes he would have done med-surg first. Also, my friend on the progressive care unit (PCU) tells me the horror stories of the critical care nurses being pulled to PCU and being absolutely OVERWHELMED, because they are only used to caring for 1-2 patients. So, I guess in my short time of experience, I would have to say that it is truly a good experience to get at least 1 year of med-surg under your belt. There is a slim possibility that the NICU may not be what you really love....or it might be exactly where you want to spend the rest of your nursing career. Good luck to you with whatever path you choose!!