[NURSINGIZ4ME]

Hi everyone!
My name is Kathy. DH is active duty so I won't be 'here' forever. I'm 32, SAHM and have 4 beautiful kids.
I'm currently a pre-Nursing student. Done all my pre-req's and waiting for acceptance letters!! (optimism) I've wanted to be a nurse since Kindergarten and a NICU nurse since visiting my cousin's twin preemies in a NICU. It was like....WOW....this is where I belong. I have a deep interest in the OR as well, but I am so passionate about the NICU. It's something I really can't explain. I, personally, feel that I need to be where the passion lies. You find lots of things that interest you and you like but when you keep coming back to that one particular thing, then I think that's where you need to be.
Anyways....I've searched high and low on this forum and not really found an answer to my question....which would be...where do I start looking for hospitals that have the NICU internships/preceptorships? Obviously those hospitals that HAVE NICU's... I've checked out NANN and other sites in the 'sticky' at the beginning of the forum. I'm wanting to find hospitals on the east coast...say DC to Fla so I'm not *really* limiting myself to say where I currently live. Any helpful info. or suggestions are ALL greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!!

edited to add: I've also printed out the list for recommended reading...for future reference. Stuck it in my Nursing Info. folder!!

[prmenrs]

I think if I were you, I'd get out the phone directory and start calling around. You're more likely to find what you're looking for @ a University-type hospital. Ask for the NICU manager. S/He can probably help you. If she doesn't have such a program, she may know who does. "Childrens" hospitals might be another direction.

You might also look @ the American Hospital Asociation (don't know the site, if searching that doesn't get results, try JACHO) site.

GOOD LUCK! Let us know how it goes!

[NURSINGIZ4ME]

Originally Posted by prmenrs

I think if I were you, I'd get out the phone directory and start calling around. You're more likely to find what you're looking for @ a University-type hospital. Ask for the NICU manager. S/He can probably help you. If she doesn't have such a program, she may know who does. "Childrens" hospitals might be another direction.

You might also look @ the American Hospital Asociation (don't know the site, if searching that doesn't get results, try JACHO) site.

GOOD LUCK! Let us know how it goes!

Thanks so much! I appreciate your input. DH thinks it's a bit *early* to be getting all excited and trying to find out what I need to find out. Hopefully, the earlier the better.
Thanks again!

[llg]

As you are exploring, be sure that you don't limit yourself by only using the terms "interships" and "preceptorships." While those are the most commonly used terms, not all hospitals use the same words to refer to the same things. For example, some hospitals (like mine) have extensive orientations that include everything encompassed by the typical internship, but don't use that word.

Ask about orientation programs in general, special programs for new grads, etc. and go from there.

Good luck,
llg

[NURSINGIZ4ME]

Originally Posted by llg

As you are exploring, be sure that you don't limit yourself by only using the terms "interships" and "preceptorships." While those are the most commonly used terms, not all hospitals use the same words to refer to the same things. For example, some hospitals (like mine) have extensive orientations that include everything encompassed by the typical internship, but don't use that word.

Ask about orientation programs in general, special programs for new grads, etc. and go from there.

Good luck,
llg

Thank you!!! Never occurred to me at all. Hopefully this will broaden my search results. I'm finding out what I can on line and will take advantage of the phone afterwards. Thanks again!!

[nursecheryl81]

First of all ... Godo Luck with nursing school.. I just wanted to second the answer of university hospitals... I just finished my NICU new nursing residency today!! I have the passion like you for those babies... I am currently at UNC at Chapel Hill in their Children's hospital... :hatparty: And I absolutely love it there!! Maybe I will see you around !!

[nekhismom]

Another good source might be to join your school's and state's student nurses associations, and the NSNA (national student nursing association). I know the NSNA sends quarterly newsmagazines with info similar to what you are asking. It was a great resource for me as a nursing student.

[NURSINGIZ4ME]

Originally Posted by nursecheryl81

First of all ... Godo Luck with nursing school.. I just wanted to second the answer of university hospitals... I just finished my NICU new nursing residency today!! I have the passion like you for those babies... I am currently at UNC at Chapel Hill in their Children's hospital... :hatparty: And I absolutely love it there!! Maybe I will see you around !!

Thank you!!! I know it will be hard but I'm so ready for it to begin!! Congrats on finishing your residency!! Maybe you will see me around as I'm looking (mostly) at VA, NC, & SC. I'd like to be as close to home as possible. I'm keeping my options open. Thanks again and best wishes to you!!

[NURSINGIZ4ME]

Originally Posted by nekhismom

Another good source might be to join your school's and state's student nurses associations, and the NSNA (national student nursing association). I know the NSNA sends quarterly newsmagazines with info similar to what you are asking. It was a great resource for me as a nursing student.

Thanks for the info!!! Going to check now........

[tulip928]

Broward General Medical Center (North Broward Hospital District) in Fort Lauderdale, FL offers a NICU orientation with cross training to PICU and PEDS.
It's open to new grads. I think their programs are offered in Feb. and August each year. That's how I got into NICU straight out of school.