A Dilema (Sorry, it's kinda long)

May 23, 1999

For those of you who don't know, after 17 years in OB, I chose to transfer to

NICU about a year ago. When I made that transfer I told the unit manager I

would stay at least 2 years to make the time orienting me to a new unit

worthwhile. Up to recently I have been happy with that choice. I

transferred because I couldn't handle all the call (1 was working 3 12's plus

taking call 3 12's and getting called in 75-80% of the time).

Anyway, I have been having a really tough time in NICU for about 2 weeks now.

Thursday night the baby I was caring for died after 2 hours of resuscitation

efforts (he was a 27 week twin who had heart trouble). It was a really rough

night not only because of the death, but I was also in charge of the busy

unit (with 3 floats). They called me later that day to let me know I had

made a med. error on another baby, causing an IV burn. I want to cry.

When I was leaving Friday morning after that terrible night, one of the

OB/GYN's met me at the time clock and begged me to come back to L & D. He told

me that if I would come back he would " fix it " so I wouldn't have to take

call at all. I tried to explain that this wouldn't be fair to the other

nurses in L & D but he insists that I have done my time and that they need my

experience and strength so badly that they will do anything to get me back.

I don't know what to do. It is very tempting right now. I know I should

probably not make a fast decision as NICU will calm down again. But OB is my

love and I sure would like to go back to where I am comfortable!

I can't post this on NICU nurses because several of the nurses I work with

(including the unit manager) subscribe. Please give me your thoughts!

Thanks,

, TX

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