Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Which road to take?

Hi NICU nurses!

I have been away from nursing for six years and have very little hospital experience. I am interested in the NICU and found a hospital near me that is starting a residency program (I think 8-12 mos long) in the near future. The nurse recruiter told me I should work in med-surg for a few months, and then start the NICU program.

My question is, does this really seem necessary? Since NICU is such a specialized area it seems like it would only add to the confusion to start in med-surg and then move to the NICU program. I think it could be especially confusing, because I have been away from it for so long. I would rather focus all of my energy on the NICU, and skip the med-surg part. If I thought it could really help, though, I would be happy to do it. I would rather have a fresh mind and a clean slate to take in all there is to learn in the NICU. What do you guys think?

Thank you. :)

Featured Replies

The need to work in med/surg before going into NICU is a bunch of bologna, IMO anyway.

The only way I could see how starting in med/surg might help you, is if you aren't planning on staying in NICU for a while. If you plan on going into NICU for a bit, and then moving onto something else later on, then I could see how med/surg might be helpful so you can have a little background and get a basis for those areas. Personally I just went into NICU from the start because I had/have no desire to work in any other area. So really it just depends on what you want to do. But as far as med/surg helping you out before you go into NICU ..... nope, if anything it would only hinder it, as you'd have to un-learn a lot of things.

Good luck to you!

  • Author

Thank you, RainDreamer! :)

You confirmed what I was thinking. I'm going to mention it during the interview.

All the best.

  • Author

Oops... double post!

Having heard enough stories, and learned a little from life, I smell a rat. It would be too easy for them to pull a bait and switch. Bait you into accepting a job, thinking they'll put you in NICU, and instead end up in med-surg indefinately. Med-surg would be practically worthless experience for NICU. I wouldn't accept a job until they can put you directly into the program.

  • Author

Hey, thanks for the heads up! I hadn't even considered that possibility, but it makes sense. I'm glad I posted about this, and I appreciate the advice. :)

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.