Where should I do my Senior Practicum?

[dance2it101]

I am currently working as a Nurse Intern in the Level III NICU in my area. I know that I want to be a NICU nurse, but my school won't allow to do my senior practicum in the NICU because I work there. My Senior practicum is basically where I get 240 clinical hours shadowing another RN. I was wondering where you all think I should do my practicum to help give me skills that I will utilize later in the NICU. I was thinking PICU, Adult ICU, and Pediatric ER as my top three. Let me hear your opinions. Thank you all in advance.

[goodstudentnowRN]

I want ro be a ICU nurse too but I will not get the opportunity to do my preceptorship there. I have decided to chose ER. I can learn quite a lot there and I will be able to train as an ICU nurse with that experience.

[Work in Progress]

Any practicum you get will probably be useful, and anything Peds would be great, but have you thought about adding L&D or mom/baby to the list? I think those would be a good supplement to NICU. Maybe it is just the way I think, but seeing the other aspects of newborns, the birth process, the family dynamics around birth, etc would be useful when you go into the NICU as a nurse. Also, getting some of the experience with helping moms breastfeed would be REALLY useful in the NICU. I just say that as a mom that has had a baby in the NICU and really wished the NICU nurses could have helped me a little more with breastfeeding.

I think whatever you have a gut inclination toward is the right choice for you, but I would keep an open mind to the other aspects of maternal/child health. Good luck!

[MissBrittanyRN]

I agree with "work in progress" because it pertains to the type of nursing that you want to do and it is always good to see how the labor and delivery affect the newborn, etc. Plus you may have an opportunity to care for antepartum patients and other high risk moms that will at some point have NICU babies.

On the other hand, I think that an adult ICU may be even better. This is because I am a new grad RN, and having trouble finding work in my area. I have come across many ICU job postings that are only considering new grads if they have ICU internship or tech experience. Although you want to do NICU, it just shows how valuable any ICU experience can be when it comes time for you to start interviewing, although you may have a job locked in with your current NICU. Even so, ICU would still be great experience, the variety and the intensity (for lack of better words) of the nursing provided, just an amazing opportunity. Good luck to you, and whatever you decide.

[dance2it101]

Thank you all for your comments. I have considered L&D, but there are very few spaces for students in my program. Any one else have any ideas or advice? Thanks!