Which road to take?

[RN mom of 2]

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. :)

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

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!

[RN mom of 2]

Thank you, RainDreamer! :)

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

All the best.

[RN mom of 2]

Oops... double post!

[rnpilot]

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.

[RN mom of 2]

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. :)