Hi there...I gradutate in December from school and am currently doing my preceptorship in a Level II NICU at a local hospital. I absolutely love it and cannot imagine going anywhere else. However, as experienced nurses, what are your thoughts on new grads in the NICU? I know everyone has a different opinion and different advice on where we should start, but is there really anything that can prepare you to care for these little guys? Thanks!

Even if you've done a preceptorship, I'd look for hospitals that offer new grad nurse internships in the NICU.

I just finished my practicum in a level III NICU and am hoping to work there after graduation. I had the formal HR interview yesterday and the nurse recruiter told me that the NICU Nurse Manager called her about me and she was only sending me to the NICU to interview (they normally set up interviews in 3 different areas). Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me, I am already suffering withdrawls.

Anyways, back to your question. When I talked to the nurse manager about possibly working there a few weeks ago I asked her how she felt about new grads in the NICU. She said that they don't take just any new grad, they prefer new grads who either worked at the NICU as a PCA or a student who did their practicum there and did good work. She said that she prefers new grads because she can teach them the right way to do things, before bad habits settle in.

Best of luck to you!

Congrats and best of luck to you MyBSNin06!!! How exciting...I can't wait to be in your position!!! Eric, thanks for your advice! The hospital that I am at does offer an internship/training/mentorship program for 12 weeks for new hires/new grads.