Which job would be better for a NICU career?

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Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatry, Home Health VNA.

If you had a choice between two pediatric positions and knowing your goal is to work in the NICU, which one would be a better option? (There are no NICU positions available, hence the pedi position).

The first one would be a general rehab with children anywhere from birth to 18 years. Sees PICCs/central lines, IV meds, PEG/G-J tubes, stable trachs, traumas, MR, neonates with NAS and preemies who just aren't ready for home but are too stable for the NICU.

The second one is a pediatric pulmonary floor where most patients are vented (birth to 18 years). Less experience with infants but experience with ventilators/trachs, otherwise basically the same nursing job description as the first job.

Hours and pay are the same. Which experience would be help me more with obtaining a NICU position?

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Specializes in psych,maternity, ltc, clinic.

My guess would be the first one, tho any experience is good. have you been offered a job???If I remember correctly you have had trouble finding a first job out of nursing school, so hope that tide is turning.:wink2:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.
If you had a choice between two pediatric positions and knowing your goal is to work in the NICU, which one would be a better option? (There are no NICU positions available, hence the pedi position).

The first one would be a general rehab with children anywhere from birth to 18 years. Sees PICCs/central lines, IV meds, PEG/G-J tubes, stable trachs, traumas, MR, neonates with NAS and preemies who just aren't ready for home but are too stable for the NICU.

The second one is a pediatric pulmonary floor where most patients are vented (birth to 18 years). Less experience with infants but experience with ventilators/trachs, otherwise basically the same nursing job description as the first job.

Hours and pay are the same. Which experience would be help me more with obtaining a NICU position?

I'd say any experience is good, but the first one sounds like it will give you a broader range of experience. While the second will give you vent experience, which is transferable to ICU, I think if I were the one making the decision, I'd choose the option that gives the widest range of experience with different diagnoses--& more experience with babies, which seems like ultimately what you are looking for. Good luck in your decision!

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Specializes in NICU.

Both sound like very good options, so I would pick whichever you like better!

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