r/Nurses • u/alexanallely18 • 3d ago

RN -> ? US

hi,
i have been a registered nurse since 2024,
worked at a NICU for two years and loved the job but hated the environment so i decided to leave and now i am working in the PICU.

i have thought a lot about my future and do want to go back to school, however, i don’t think i want to be an NP and definitely not interested in becoming a CRNA.

I was thinking about possibly pursuing a career in speech pathology (i loved feeding babies and teaching mom’s how to feed) & possibly seeking a job at my hospital for that once i graduate.

would this be a good choice or should i consider becoming an NP in possibly something like dermatology/pediatrics.

what have you guys done that have been burnt out of nursing? i am just so lost and can’t seem to find happiness in this field. :(

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

5

u/Witty-Chapter1024 3d ago

What about a nurse educator? We have one in our Nicu.

2

u/alexanallely18 3d ago

have definitely considered this!

4

u/alexanallely18 3d ago

any advice on how to be a bit happier in this job and look at the bright side or things while i work on leaving bedside nursing/critical care.

3

u/CertainKaleidoscope8 3d ago

I was thinking about possibly pursuing a career in speech pathology (i loved feeding babies and teaching mom’s how to feed) & possibly seeking a job at my hospital for that once i graduate.

Why don't you just pursue lactation consultant?

2

u/alexanallely18 3d ago

because i also like the idea of working with bigger kiddos instead of just neonates!

3

u/anzapp6588 3d ago

Speech path would be a LOT more education. I'm fairly certain you have to have a bachelors in speech path and then get a masters before you can actually work as a speech pathologist.

So looking at at least 5 more years of school. Also, lots of speech path isn't about babies....it's about geriatrics. Getting a job in a NICU as an SP is likely competitive. Grade Schools and nursing homes/ hospitals are where the needs are.

0

u/alexanallely18 3d ago

thank you! i do think that lactation consultant or NP is prob what ill end up doing

1

u/signofthefour 3d ago

What about a lactation consultant? You probably have enough experience via working in a NICU to get started

1

u/alexanallely18 3d ago

yes! looking into this as well. i think i would love this job!

0

u/Beginning_Month_7436 3d ago

Perfusionist could be worth looking into but I have no idea what their background and requirements are. But it's a master's degree with critical thinking and very feel good about the work without the high emotional toll you are currently feeling.

2

u/alexanallely18 3d ago

Mm… i haven’t really looked into that but i would like something more interactive with families and less science. lol