Hello. I am a student nurse about to graduate w/ my BSN in April.
I am interested in the NICU, PICU or newborn nursery. I am having difficulty deciding where to work. Any suggestions? I'd like to stay in Texas, but I also would like to get out of my comfort zone, try something new, and go elsewhere. I've done most of my training and working at a county hospital in the newborn nursery, so I've seen and dealt with many types of people. Any ideas? Where do ya'll work/live, and why do you like it?
Thanks
Katie
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
||
search realityrn
sign up for weekly cartoons, tips, and blog posts
Register to win a pair of RX Medical Silver Fox Crocs
|
|
|
 |
November 29th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
If you decide to work in the NICU, I would try to find a hospital that has a training program, a preceptor program where you will be thoroughly trained. I am originally from California and there were programs in place for NICU nurses that were 12 weeks that consisted of both classroom time and training on the unit. You will come out of it feeling much more confident about your skill level. I hear Texas is a great place for nurses to work…maybe you should rethink staying there. Research pay rates…it definitely makes it more difficult to move to a place that pays less money for doing the same job!! (I did that!) Good luck!!
November 29th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hello, I am a new grad who just started work in the NICU. I like it so far. I work in NY and I know a lot of hospitals will hire in the NICU and they offer 6 weeks of classes and a total of 6 months of preceptor-ship. 🙂
November 29th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
It’s good you’re looking to challenge yourself and not just wanting to rest on your laurels. I’d just be cautious you don’t take on too many new challenges all at once.
Becoming a new grad-preceptee and moving to a new area are both fairly daunting challenges. You know you better than I do – so I’m not willing or want to to advise you what you’re capable of. But you should consider your limits and give yourself plenty of breathing room within them.
If it helps – set a 5 year life plan. Include non-nursing/career life activities also – eg: if you are planning to travel or find a “reproductive mate” <- nicely put, eh? ;o)
Then, once you have your broad aims – identify your objectives in them and options to attain those objectives.
Deliberate them, seek counsel, research each option…
Then buy a bottle of wine, light some candles and put on some Luther Vandross and make your decision.
December 5th, 2008 at 3:17 am
hahah thanks for the advice. Ive been told it’s better to stay near where is comfortable while you get your feet dirty, but i’m afraid once i get busy, i won’t be able to move away.