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***DISCLAIMER***

I have used the search bar in hopes of finding sufficient answers before posting but seem to not really be getting at what I want!

I recently accepted a job offer in an OB unit and will begin my orientation in a couple of weeks. The unit contains L&D, Mother/Baby, Level 2 NICU, and gynecological patients, all of whom I will be rotating through. The orientation is a massive, 9 months long, but is understandable as it is almost like having 4 units. I am beyond ecstatic for this opportunity as a new grad and could not explain how grateful I am that the manager picked me!

However, where would one be if one did not have future goals. My semi-long term goal is to somehow wind up solely in a NICU. I would prefer to be in a level 3 within the next 2-4 years and a level 4 within 3-5 years from now.

When I was offered my position above, I was also offered a position on the ICU floor, and they let me decide which floor I would like to work on. I choose the OB floor as I thought it would be beneficial to my goal of moving to a NICU only floor, more so than the ICU floor for adults. I mean, the OB unit DOES have a level 2 NICU so I would get that basic experience.

So want I really want answered I guess is if I made the right move? I have read that an Adult ICU is a far cry from a NICU and would not really give me the right tools to care for infants as the patients are vastly different. However, I have also read that OB nurses have a hard time working their way to NICUs. I guess I just want reassurance that myself, as an OB nurse, have not just slaughtered my chances at getting to the NICU by accepting the OB position.

I LOVE OB so it is not really an issue of I don't want OB if I cannot have NICU but I just want opinions/personal stories that and OB nurse to a NICU nurse is not unheard of/maybe is quite common?

I appreciate any response, just want to make sure I am going about this the correct way.

***BTW***

I don't plan to leave OB before 2 years from now as the orientation is 9 months long and would just not feel right leaving my employer after all that time training me. Just wanted to make that clear.

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Specializes in labor & delivery.

It's great that you are receiving a 9-month orientation. There is a lot to learn and we have been losing new orientees due to minimal orientation. I have known a few labor & delivery nurses and post-partum nurses that have gone to the NICU. The maternity unit is difficult to get into right out of school, but not impossible. Starting there, I think, is a good decision if that is the area you hope to end up in some day. You may even find that you enjoy another part of the unit. You will be able to let management know your desire to go to the NICU at some point and that experience may land you the job at a level 3 NICU. Just my 2 cents. Best wishes to you whatever you decide.

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Specializes in L&D.

I think that sounds like a great opportunity!

I'm an L&D nurse hoping to move to NICU someday.

And I would never want to work in an adult ICU!

Just doesn't appeal to me.

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Specializes in OB.

I would definitely stick with the OB job you accepted, since it includes NICU experience.

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Specializes in L&D.

Yes I would stick with the OB job. Sounds like a fantastic opportunity. I think it will allow you to learn the knowledge of what all goes on and give you a greater appreciation for the field when you eventually end up at your goal.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Congrats on landing any job, let alone in OB as a new grad!

Eventually transitioning from OB to NICU will be fine because you'll get to rotate in the different areas. So the learning curve may not be so steep for you when you eventually make NICU your "home."

Anyone can transition into any unit/speciality, as long as the individual is willing to work hard and learn. A friend of mine transferred from ICU to NICU and I transferred from PCU (Stepdown ICU) to Mother/Baby and love it. I had to relearn everything about newborn assessments and teaching. Plan to be in that specialty for a long time.

In the nine months of orientation you'll learn a lot but once you get on your own, you'll learn even more. Take lots of notes. Good luck!

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