Student Interested in Neonatal/NICU Nursing - What do you like about your jobs?

[abc616]

I am currently in an accelerated BNS/MSN NP program and am thinking about what specialties I am interested in and what goals I have long term. I haven't had my maternity/pedi rotation yet (it starts in May), but I am really interested in labor and delivery, neonatal/NICU and maybe even fertility. On the other hand, I also have a love for neuroscience (what my original BS is in), the brain and Alzheimer's - though I'm not sure if care in this area is something I would enjoy long term.

I worked as an LNA at an assisted living home for people with dementia over this past summer and I loved it, however it was so emotionally and mentally draining that it really took a toll on me as time went on. I know nursing and caring for others is never an easy job, and I am a very hard worker, however I want to have a job that won't constantly burn me out. I'd like to have a job that I smile at and am busy at, but am not so mentally exhausted that I can't socialize or do anything but sleep when I get home from a shift. I think that might be why OB or neonatal nursing seem so appealing to me... they usually end up happy. It also could be the fact that I love kids and I love babies.

Long story short- I know I have plenty of time to figure this out for myself, but I'm a planner and I'd love to hear about specialties you're in or jobs you have that you love and why! How did you get to where you are and how did you decide what you wanted to do?

[babyNP., APRN]

hi there, welcome to allnurses. I see you posted this topic in the NP forum. It's actually against the terms of service to post the same topic twice, so this will probably get closed, just fyi.