What do you think?

[mimi1980]

I am a cardiac nurse with two years of experience. I have finally decided to make the transition to NICU, which is something I always wanted to do. I had an interview with a manager of a level III NICU and she informed me that they would give me six weeks of orientation. For all the experienced NICU nurses, do you think this will be enough time to be trained for a level III NICU? I don't remember much from peds rotation and I have no children

[Jolie, BSN]

I am a cardiac nurse with two years of experience. I have finally decided to make the transition to NICU, which is something I always wanted to do. I had an interview with a manager of a level III NICU and she informed me that they would give me six weeks of orientation. For all the experienced NICU nurses, do you think this will be enough time to be trained for a level III NICU? I don't remember much from peds rotation and I have no children

Nope. Anyone new to the NICU needs a minimun of 12 weeks orientation, which should include both classroom and clinical experience, 1:1 with a consistent preceptor. 6 weeks might be acceptable for a nurse with experience in a Level II NICU moving to a Level III unit, but not a nurse who is altogether new to the NICU.

Insist on a longer orientation, or find a different unit. Good luck!

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

Nope. We always give 12 weeks to new people without NICU experience. 6-8 weeks for the ones with experience. I'd ask if this is what they give everyone, and tell them that you aren't comfortable with this. Is this in the same hospital you are now?

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

We always give anyone new to NICU 12 weeks of orientation. I wouldn't settle for anything less than that.

[karenp2358]

12 weeks, at the least!

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

I was a cardiac nurse with 9 years experience. I was given 12 weeks orientation though the preceptors and I agreed I was ready to come off a week early. But I wouldn't recommend too much less than that.