Jessica,

When I went  to nursing school, I never thought I would want to work in the NICU.  I worked at a hospital while going to school and one of my jobs was to test infants in the NICU hearing.  It was from my observation and working with the nurses that I decided to specialize.  For my senior praticum and stawardship class I worked in the NICU.  I had several job offers as a new grad that required an internship.  Some hospitals have you work night shift until your trained and until a day shift position opens.  The one I chose had us rotate for one year nights/days.  My first job did not work well for me.  Scheduling was horrible.  I asked all the right questions during the interview, but numbers were skewed because nurses went from full-time positions to flex so they could get the schedule they wanted.  I was honest with them about never working a night shift and knew that I would have to rotate, but it never occured to me that I could be scheduled with abrupt changes.  I never though of asking if they would schedule me in ways that would ease the transition from days/nights. I suggest you ask yourself what works for you and be honest.  Then ask these questions in interviews with perspective employers. 

I have had others tell me that it's better to get experience in med. surg before specializing.  They are most concerned with being able to prioritize and mangage work load.  I have known quite a few nurses who have specialized right off the bat and never regret it.  It is important to have an idea of what you want to do before your practicum.  My girlfriend who was the head of our class did her practicum in Mother/Baby Postpartum got a job interview  at the clinical site but decided she wanted to do med/surg.  She applied many times for internships and ended up working in a nursing home.  She told me that the reasons given to her was lack of experience.    Another factor to consider is that RNS in NICUs do not have a high turn over rate.  You may have to move to obtain work.

Stress can be an issue for everyone.  I see the positive side or the glass half full perspective.  Most infants get better and go home.  You need to be pretty laid back and remember to breathe.  You prioritize what is most important, get help if you need it, but never look out of control or stressed.  Find nurses who will help and mentor you.  Outside of work, do what makes you happy and relieves stress.  Regular exercise helps me and I enjoy hiking.  During your first year, if you have family ask for help.  It can be cooking a few meals, cleaning your house, doing some of your laundry.  You'll need the break, because when you leave work you have more work to do.  I spent many nights reading and learning what I had worked with during the day because there is not enought time at work, and you still need to reflect on your practice.  What working, whats not, how to improve, etc.  Its a steep learning curve and a lot of work, but totally worth it.

The positives are working with families.  There is no greater privledge than being able to care for someone's baby.  Most get better and go home.  Your role impacts families.  The families are your patients.  There is always something to learn and a way to contribute.  Getting involved in shared government, reading research articles, attending conferences, and mentoring.   

I know you were looking for some negative things about this career.  I can tell you that no matter where you work there may be a time when you might not get lunch, or you can't go potty for awhile, or the day is very busy and you work over.  Other than that to work in an NICU requires that you live in a metropolitian area.

Hope this helps