When will I find my nitch?

[scnewgrad06]

I am a new grad and I knew before I graduated that I wanted to be a pediatric nurse. I started on a PICU and then realized two weeks into it that maybe that isn't the place for me. My nursing buddies and I talked it out and figured that maybe I needed to give it more time.

Now I am changing units.

How often do nurses change units and how long does it normally take for nurses to find their nitch, accept their career, and feel like they belong?

Wondering. . .

:caduceus:

[nurse4kiddos]

Wow! I could have written this post! I also thought that pediatrics was my area of interest, but the PICU terrifies me. The unit that I work on has general, IMC & ICU so it is alot to learn. I have only been working on my unit for 5 weeks, but I wishing I had taken a job in ambulatory surgery at a clinic or something a bit less stressful. So did you get a job at another hospital or did you just switch units?

[scnewgrad06]

I will be interviewing for the NICU next week. Wish me luck this go around.

Do you know people who have changed units several times?

See, I'm a computer nerd and I am thinking about nursing informatics or something like that in the future. Right now, I want to get my skills so that I can do better in all future positions that need a baseline.

:thankya:Thanks for the reply. . . that makes me feel better that I'm not the only one.

[nurse4kiddos]

Good Luck on your interview!

I have heard many nurses from my floor say that they prefer NICU, but at my hospital you can't transfer to another department until you have been in your current position for 6 months. Besides that, they aren't hiring anyone in our NICU. It is amazing that NICU was your next choice. I keep reading your posts and thinking I could have written them!

Since I know I don't want to stay on my floor, I am looking at the other hospital in town as well as some clinics for some other options. I am hoping to be able to find a day shift position somewhere since I have been so much happier since I've been back on days. I know some people that have switched units after a short time, but not too many.

Good Luck to you!

[scnewgrad06]

Thanks so much for your replies. I really wish I knew more people who have been through this. Most nurses that speak out have been on the same unit for YEARS. There needs to be a therapy book for nurses that help us see what really happens. . . .