Returning to my first love

[Polaris0000002]

I am currently working as a nurse practitioner in primary care pediatrics. Now that my kids are gone and I have more flexibility with my schedule, I want to go back to NICU nursing. BUT!.. it has been 7 years since I left the hospital. I had been doing it all, including ECMO, but have the jitters about whether I can regain my skills and whether I will be accepted because I am not a new grad but certainly will need a lot of support. I also have a broader scope with my years as an NP treating pediatric patients and wonder if the PICU would be a better fit for me at this point. I love pediatrics and loved critical care nursing. Any advise out there??:imbar

[NICU_babyRN, BSN, RN]

I think some of it is like riding a bike, while a lot of it you will have to re-learn, but it sounds like your love is NICU, so I say go back to it, but ask for the same orientation a new grad would receive!

Eventually, it will all come back!

[ilstu99]

Interview around. Take tours of the units. Meet some staff members. Get to know the managers a little. They'll be loving you, so you need to decide if you love them.

Then go with your gut.

[Polaris0000002]

Thank you for the input. I will take your advise and go for it!!