Spreading your wings....

[shortydoowop]

I have been a nurse for 13 years and ONLY worked NICU. I feel as though I may have reached the limit on learning in this area, as I have mastered all skills including PICC insertion, ECMO, body cooling and arterial line placement. I am considering an internship in the O.R. There are obviously pros and cons to this new position. While I am a bit anxious to leave my "comfort zone," I feel a push towards seeing what else is out there. Anyone else work several years in one area and then go to something new? Any bad or good experiences you can tell me about? Thank you in advance...

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I have been a nurse for 13 years and ONLY worked NICU. I feel as though I may have reached the limit on learning in this area as I have mastered all skills including PICC insertion, ECMO, body cooling and arterial line placement. I am considering an internship in the O.R. There are obviously pros and cons to this new position. While I am a bit anxious to leave my "comfort zone," I feel a push towards seeing what else is out there. Anyone else work several years in one area and then go to something new? Any bad or good experiences you can tell me about? Thank you in advance...[/quote']

I tend to get "bored" so every few years I change specialties. Right now I have been an RN for 5 years and am starting over again as the newbie in the ER. While my manager and coworkers treat me like an experienced nurse and value what I can bring to the table, I am the first to admit that many times I have patients needing procedures or with diagnosises I have never dealt with. It is different to go from being in more of an expert role to a beginner role again and definitely humbles you.