Torn between L&D and NICU

midwife2b · Nov 24, 2005

Gosh!

What group do you like better-- babies or grownups? I think that would help me decide.

If you like babies better you can do NICU, Peds, NBN, Grower type nurseries...

If you like grownups better you can do Labor/PP/antepartum etc.

If you don't know, go with your gut after your interviews!

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 24, 2005

Why not try what I do?

I do Labor/delivery/recovery and post partum, as well we special care of infants. I learned, by doing all of this, what my weak and strong points are-----

You would need to find a smaller community hospital to do this, but if you did, the experience you would get would be invaluable, you would never be bored with routine, as your days vary, and you will learn where your true talents and heart lie. I love it. Good luck in your decision.

4bears · Nov 24, 2005

Why not try what I do?
I do Labor/delivery/recovery and post partum, as well we special care of infants. I learned, by doing all of this, what my weak and strong points are-----
You would need to find a smaller community hospital to do this, but if you did, the experience you would get would be invaluable, you would never be bored with routine, as your days vary, and you will learn where your true talents and heart lie. I love it. Good luck in your decision.

My instructors urged me to go for the biggest hospital in our area that specializes in high risk deliveries for the experience and they are more likely to train a new grad, unfortunately ALL of the hospitals in my area have a waiting list for L&D they want 1-2 years experience before you are considered. I am drawn to the babies so I naturally have an interest in NICU,

i am confused because I don't know if I would be able to separate myself from the babies - If I was taking care of a baby and the baby was not doing too good, and if I was off of work the next day - I don't know if I could get back to "my life" and not worry. So I don't know if I am cut out to be a NICU nurse - I interviewed with a large NICU in my state and they will hire new grads and train in an extensive 26 week program. If it was for LDRP I would not hesitate and I would love experience in Special Care - but this unit usually gets babies from other NICU's & PICU's (up to 9 months) because it is a free standing children's hospital - A NICU nurses dream job. Watch me not even be offered the job and I am stressing over nothing. So do I go for the experience if it is offered knowing I have these feelings? Or do I persue another area that would make me more marketable for L&D and continue with my original plan, what areas would you suggest? :uhoh21:

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 25, 2005

Your instructors are telling you to go to something like a teaching hospital likely. But---Bigger is NOT always better. In larger hospitals, there are many residents trying to learn----and medical students too. IN the bigger hospitals around here, nurses often get very little "hands on" and get stuck doing a LOT of charting mostly--and have to ask the resident to do many things that fall into the realm of nursing other places...... Not for me at all.

Shop around, bigger is not always better. Ask the nurses what they actually do in some of these hospitals. I like the autonomy my smaller hospital allows me a lot.