Tell me what you like about your specialty......

[ijuanabhappy]

I have another school year left and thinking about what type of residency/internship I might like. I have not had enough exposure yet to know. Some of the possible residencies I am looking at are: SICU, NICU, Burn ICU, ER, Medicine ICU, cardiopulmonary ICU, L&D. I am leaning towards one of the ICUs, but have no idea if I would like this. If you work in one of these areas can you tell me what you like and don't like about your job and any helpful info? Thanks!

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

NICU - they're usually here a long time so you get to know everything about them and their families...we're in pods so there's always help when you need it. Plus I love the ICU aspect of it but every shift isn't running your butt off.

[psychonaut]

NICU - they're usually here a long time so you get to know everything about them and their families...we're in pods so there's always help when you need it. Plus I love the ICU aspect of it but every shift isn't running your butt off.

Agreed.

Plus, there is something fascinating about caring for a ~1lb. *fetus*, knowing that this amazingly delicate tiny little life form is a human being, and is 100% dependent on you to keep it alive. Fascinating, yes, but also scary and intimidating.

And, every so often you get a break and get a less critical baby that you can actually play with a bit more, enjoy as the parents get to hold and share in more and more of the care, etc. And when that gets boring (as it soon does, lol), there is always another "train wreck" patient in need of your skill.

I started in NICU as a new grad, and I did worry about specializing so early in my career. After two years, while I would require a significant orientation to a new area, I have developed nursing skills and instincts that will serve me well in any department I may go to.