Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

And, if you really want to get into the nitty gritty of the NICU levels and their designation, go to: http://www.centerforpolicyanalysis.o...nicureport.pdf

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

Just an FYI, I am in the same boat as you, except I know that all I ever wanted to do is NICU. However, the majority of my background is Med/Surg/Tele because I have had a hard time getting and finding employment in NICU. I am starting to believe that I live in the wrong state. Here, all of the NICU positions I have applied to or even had interviews for, they were always looking for and hiring experienced NICU nurses only. I applied to these positions anyway because I am really hoping that someone will take the chance and hire me without all that experience. I may not have much experience in NICU, but that is all I know. I always had a hard time in Adult care areas, maybe because I really didn't want to be there and didn't enjoy it! But, I had to work, so I have been doing whatever I have to do to support my family. Now, I am to the point where I don't want to and refuse to settle for these types of positions. I am just not real sure of where to go to get what I want and how to get there. Good luck!

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

The hospital system where I work will hire new grads, as well as RNs with experience in other fields of nursing. Orientation is 12 weeks. Keep looking! They are out there!

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

Thank you rnpic - that explains a lot

Originally Posted by rnpic

Levels of NICU Care

Level I: Basic Newborn Care: Level 1 nurseries care for healthy, full-term babies. They are able to stabilize babies born near term to get them ready to transfer to facilities that offer special care.

Level II: Specialty Newborn Care: These nurseries can care for babies born at greater than 32 weeks gestation or who are recovering from more serious conditions.

Level IIA: These nurseries do not provide assisted ventilation.

Level IIB: These nurseries can provide assisted ventilation for less than 24 hours, and can also provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Level III: Subspecialty Newborn Care: Level III NICUs care for the sickest babies and offer the greatest variety of support.

Level IIIA: These nurseries care for babies born greater than 28 weeks. They offer mechanical ventilation and minor surgical procedures such as central line placement.

Level IIIB: Level IIIB NICUs can offer different types of mechanical ventilation, have access to a wide range of pediatric specialists, can use imaging capabilities beyond x-ray, and may provide some surgeries requiring anesthesia.

Level IIIC: The most acute care is provided in level IIIC NICUs. These nurseries can provide advanced ventilation, including ECMO, and can provide advanced surgeries including “open-heart” surgeries to correct congenital heart defects.

(http://preemies.about.com/od/allabou.../NICUPart1.htm)

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

We're definitely in the same boat! At least, you have more experience than I do. I'm talking about NY - where is it that you're having difficulty finding a NICU job? Wish you all the best too!

Originally Posted by rnpic

Just an FYI, I am in the same boat as you, except I know that all I ever wanted to do is NICU. However, the majority of my background is Med/Surg/Tele because I have had a hard time getting and finding employment in NICU. I am starting to believe that I live in the wrong state. Here, all of the NICU positions I have applied to or even had interviews for, they were always looking for and hiring experienced NICU nurses only. I applied to these positions anyway because I am really hoping that someone will take the chance and hire me without all that experience. I may not have much experience in NICU, but that is all I know. I always had a hard time in Adult care areas, maybe because I really didn't want to be there and didn't enjoy it! But, I had to work, so I have been doing whatever I have to do to support my family. Now, I am to the point where I don't want to and refuse to settle for these types of positions. I am just not real sure of where to go to get what I want and how to get there. Good luck!

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

Which hospital system karnicurn? Which area of which state? I'm in NY, but I feel like I am ready to relocate if I have to!

Originally Posted by karnicurnc

The hospital system where I work will hire new grads, as well as RNs with experience in other fields of nursing. Orientation is 12 weeks. Keep looking! They are out there!

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

Originally Posted by CollaborateRN

We're definitely in the same boat! At least, you have more experience than I do. I'm talking about NY - where is it that you're having difficulty finding a NICU job? Wish you all the best too!

I live in IL, close to the WI border, so I hold an IL and WI license. I have applied to hospitals throughout both states for positions in NICU, Special Care Nursery, Nursery, PICU, Peds, Mother Baby, LDRP, and Family Birthing Centers. No luck with any of it, and I graduated in May 2007. I have applied to these positions since Nov. 2006 (prior to graduation). So, as of right now, I have been applying to these jobs for 3 YEARS!! I have only held one job in NICU, and it wasn't a very good NICU. So, needless to say, I have been stuck taking jobs in areas that I have no interest in. My current position isn't too bad, I love the job. However, I don't get paid very well, no health insurance, dental, vision, sick time, or vacation time! And I believe the people in the office that do scheduling and such, are complete airheads!!! I am still bound and determined to have a career in NICU and go on to get my MSN to be an NNP. But I am losing hope that I will get it here.

Good luck to you!

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

Wow! That's an example of true perseverance!

It is during times like these that I think back to the times when people told me that as a nurse, one could pretty much diversify into any area, and work in the area one liked best.

Still trying. It's hard not to get disappointed.

Wish you all the best rnpic!

Originally Posted by rnpic

So, as of right now, I have been applying to these jobs for 3 YEARS!!

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

I am in southwestern VA.

Re: Switch to NICU/Neonatology

Originally Posted by karnicurnc

The hospital system where I work will hire new grads, as well as RNs with experience in other fields of nursing. Orientation is 12 weeks. Keep looking! They are out there!

I was recently hired into a Level 3b NICU right out of school and am in the midst of a 12 week orientation as we speak. So yes, the opportunities are out there. I count myself very lucky to have found such a perfect fit straight out of NS.