Switching from NICU to L&D

[gapeach427]

I've been a NICU nurse for 5 years now, but have been wanting a change for quite some time now. I've always had an interest in L&D but never pursued it...now I have an interview next week.

While I'm excited about this possible new position, I'm nervous since neonates have been my only patient population.

Any advice on how to make it a smooth transition? Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

[Sandwitch883RN]

Hi there! I had to respond to your post. I am an L & D nurse who is switching to nursery! I love L & D and am not giving it up but I thought a change would be nice. Currently I work in a small community hospital where I rotate through L & D, PP and nursery. That was my first exposure to being a nursery nurse since i've always just been L & D and I really enjoy it. I'm prn there so I just applied to a larger facility that had a full time nursery position. I'm keeping my prn position though. As with anything something new will be a challenge but i'm sure you will do fine. I hope you like the change because it is great working with moms in labor. I had a hard road the first year I did L & D , but after finding a great facility to work at its wonderful! It will take time to feel comfortable and even longer to feel competent and with monitor strips and vag exams. I'm sure i'll find it to be the same with transitioning to nursery. Good luck, I hope you post to let us know how its going!:nuke:

[nurseinnh]

How funny!!! I worked NICU for 5 years before switching to L&D. I was really nervous about it, we moved to a small community that did not have a NICU and the only position available was in L&D. I think you will really like it a lot.

I absolutely love it, and feel I have an advantage knowing babies as well.

My advice to you....Just be open to the fact that you are learning again. Ask questions when you don't know...

My biggest obstacle was getting over starting IVs in an adult!!

Best of luck, you will do fine