by EmsMom1

I just graduated from LPN and start my RN bridge next week. I've always wanted to be a NICU nurse, but I'm nervous that it will be difficult to get started in the field when graduation rolls around.

What kinds of things can I be doing now to prepare? I'm wondering if it would be better to take the pay cut and work as a nurse extern in the NICU rather than as an LPN doing something unrelated (obviously I can't do ICU stuff as an LPN). Does it help to read up on stuff, are their certifications that I can work toward, or do those things all come with the job?

Re: what to do now to help me land a NICU job at graduation?

Definitely make liberal use of the search function on this forum as this question has been asked many times.

My suggestion is that you should do anything to get your foot in the door in the NICU, as it's radically different from any other type of nursing specialty.

You can do the NRP (neonatal resuscitation program, a.k.a. "NALS") which might help you stand out among applicants.

Persistence and getting to know managers and other staff are key to getting a job, as with most anything in careers...

Wish you the best of luck!

Re: what to do now to help me land a NICU job at graduation?

My hospital's ICU's are hiring new grads to save money. Now is the time to apply.
You need to have your organization skills DOWN PAT.
NICU is about micromanaging your time. You need to be able to show that you are punctual, assertive and caring in your interview.
Have a clear cut answer as to why you want to be a NICU nurse. Do not say "because it sounds like fun" or something of that nature.
Research what kind of babies you would be caring for in that specific NICU, there are many different populations; surgical, respiratory, etc..
NRP is good if you will be working in a delivery center. PALS (pediatric advanced life support) is good if you will be working in a tertiary center. S.T.A.B.L.E books can be purchased online, they go with the NRP program.

Hope this helps.

Re: what to do now to help me land a NICU job at graduation?

Not sure how the hospital saves money by hiring new grads, lol, because I heard that it cost a few hundred thousand to train each of the new grads at my place, lol

Good luck to the OP!

Re: what to do now to help me land a NICU job at graduation?

thank you guys so much! I do know quite a few people who were hired as new grads out here and I've seen several postings for hospitals in my are so hopefully there will be openings when the time comes.

How early can one apply for these jobs? I won't have my RN until May, but you think I can apply before that?