Will the NICU limit me in the future?

Published

I'm currently in the process of preparing for graduation and applying for graduate nurse positions. I LOVE the NICU, but I'm slightly worried that starting out in a NICU may limit my career in the long run. What if, later in life, I am forced or choose to move out of the NICU. Will I be able to find a job in another area without adult or pedi nursing care experience?

I am mainly asking this question because I am frightened by the apparent lack of graduate nurse and even veteren nurse positions available in my area. If the economy continues to fall and jobs continue to become even scarcer, will I be able to move into another area if necessary if I start in the NICU? Should I consider starting in the PICU or adult ICU instead?

Specializes in NICU.

Hi! I think that if a person works in PICU, they could pick up on the peds floors. But as a new nurse out of school, I do not think it would be recommendable to take a full position in NICU or PICU and then try to work per diem or casual with adults. As a new nurse, it takes a lot of time to get oriented and comfortable with your patient population, and that even includes adult med-surg regardless of how much of it you think you did in school. Whatever area you pick, that unit should provide significant orientation. However, to be hired as casual or per diem, they are not going to be planning on giving you much orientation. Typically, these positions are for experienced nurses who can have just a couple days orientation to hospital specific routines and policies. Hope this helps!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Thanks for the response! Here's an update: I'm currently trying to decide between a NICU and a MedSurg Position. I know that MedSurg is a great place to start, get your skills down, learn time management etc., but NICU seems like a different world entirely. NICU is the only thing I really loved in school...BUT I will have to relocate for less pay and benefits. I'm still leaning towards the NICU though... ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Thanks for the response! Here's an update: I'm currently trying to decide between a NICU and a MedSurg Position. I know that MedSurg is a great place to start, get your skills down, learn time management etc., but NICU seems like a different world entirely. NICU is the only thing I really loved in school...BUT I will have to relocate for less pay and benefits. I'm still leaning towards the NICU though... ;)

Do yourself a huge favor. Go where your heart is!

If the NICU is where you really want to be then go for it. I still think that if you can take a few per diem shifts a month in a related area probably something in pediatrics you will expand your skill set and keep your options open. I can understand this would be hard to do if you were doing 40+ hours a week but the great thing about nursing is the flexibility and that many positions that open up aren't just 40 hours. You might be able to find a 32 hour position in the NICU and pick up a shift once in a while in a related peds. department. That's just one example off the top of my head. Its just a thought, but you really need to find a position in a department that your passionate about. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

!Chris :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide. I started out in NICU as a new grad many years ago and do not regret it -- even though it has limited some of my later career choices. With only NICU experience, the opportunities for advancement have been limited to NICU-related jobs. With a background in general med/surg, you will have more options later.

But if you will not be happy in med/surg, then the added career flexibility is not worth it. Don't take a job in which you will not be happy. Don't be afraid to pick NICU. Just understand the implications of whichever direction you choose so that you can be prepared for them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.
NICU is the only thing I really loved in school...BUT I will have to relocate for less pay and benefits. I'm still leaning towards the NICU though... ;)

My opinion - less pay & benefits is worth pursuing your passion! you couldn't pay me enough to do med/surg...not for double my rate now...or triple..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion