Unsure...please help!!

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I will be graduating from nursing school in May '06...I have recently started in the NICU as a clinical tech at a large teaching hospital. I have extensive experience in Labor and Delivery, and a great interest in NICU nursing...that was until now! Now I am terrified!

My orientation on the unit has been extremely unorganized. I have had to arrange my own site orientation, chase people down for learning experiences that are required before the end of my orientation, and I don't even think anyone really recognizes my presence on the unit.

If you are experienced in a hospital, you will be aware of the checklists, sign-off sheets, POC testing, etc...I didn't receive any of this paperwork until 3 weeks into my orientation. I am just getting very frustrated and discouraged!

Not to mention that I am learning this from the ground up, and I feel that I need some guidance!

I am beginning to think I should go back to my L&D roots, where I am happy and comfortable. Not to mention I love it!

Now I realize that I am a "Type A" personality, and that if I don't think I can do this to near perfect...I won't want to try...although I plan to perservere as much I possible.

But if the NICU does not fit well for me, how do I approach the situation of asking for a transfer to the L&D in this particular hosital...

Do I just apply for GN position in L&D, and NOT in the NICU? Do I appraoch my manager and express my concerns/fears?

Did this happen to any of you?

I need some advice...if anyone would be so kind to lend some I would be extremely greatful! (To all of the above)

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Specializes in NICU.

First of all, if you're Type A, NICU is a great fit. We are known for being some of the most anal nurses in the entire hospital. We have to be - we're dealing with tiny doses of medications, tiny tubes, tiny needles, tiny everything. The smallest bit of germs can make our immunosupressed babies sick. We are fanatical about keeping things clean and orderly. We are fiercely protective of our babies. Seriously, Type A does well in the NICU!

It sounds like the particular NICU you are working in is disorganized. It's like any hospital - some units are tightly run ships while others are flying by the seats of their pants. So please don't write off the NICU just because you don't like that particular one. If there are no other NICUs nearby, then maybe yes, going back to L&D is a better idea. But if there are other units, give them a chance and look into them before you decide.

Good luck!!!

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Thank you Gompers! I think I will ride it out for the next couple of months, maybe my views will change! Who knows.....?

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